Product Line Manager - Routing & Switching Innovation

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a flexible work environment that empowers individual growth, well-being, and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Ciena is seeking a Product Line Manager to drive innovation strategy, definition, and growth of the IP Routing portfolio with a focus on the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence in Service Provider networks. This role shapes how market, customer, and AI-driven requirements are integrated into a cohesive routing roadmap to unlock new business opportunities. The position operates within Ciena’s broader Product Line Management organization and influences portfolio direction across product families.

How you will make an impact:

• Identify and define differentiated IP routing solution opportunities using qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Engage global Service Providers to understand network evolution, AI-driven operational models, and new service constructs
• Lead proof-of-concept initiatives to validate solutions and drive customer adoption
• Align routing innovation requirements with the broader Ciena portfolio roadmap in partnership with PLM peers
• Translate market and innovation needs into detailed product requirements and multi-year roadmaps with engineering teams
• Provide thought leadership on AI-enabled routing capabilities, operational efficiency, and new revenue models
• Produce roadmap narratives, whitepapers, presentations, and value propositions to support customer engagement and sales enablement

The must haves:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical field; advanced degree preferred
• Experience: 7+ years of experience in Product Management or technical strategy leadership within routing, networking, telecommunications, or cloud infrastructure
• Application of IP routing protocols including OSPF, IS-IS, BGP, MPLS, Segment Routing (SR-MPLS and SRv6), multicast, QoS, and VXLAN
• Background in Service Provider network architectures including core, metro, access, edge, cloud, and data center interconnect environments
• Application of AI-driven networking use cases such as predictive analytics, anomaly detection, automated optimization, intent-based operations, and traffic forecasting
• Collaboration across product teams and portfolios to drive alignment and cohesive solution delivery
• Communication of technical and strategic concepts to audiences ranging from engineering teams to executive leadership

Nice to haves:

• Experience defining routing solutions or AI- and automation-driven network capabilities
• Track record of defining innovative solutions and driving adoption within Service Provider organizations
• Direct engagement with Tier 1 or Tier 2 Service Providers on automation or AI-focused initiatives
• Familiarity with machine learning analytics platforms, data pipelines, telemetry systems, and cloud-native architectures

Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is $114,100 - $182,300 CAD

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Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions, and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.

Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision plans, participation in 401(K) (USA) & DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company-paid holidays, paid sick leave, and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

At Ciena, we are committed to building and fostering an environment in which our employees feel respected, valued, and heard. Ciena values the diversity of its workforce and respects its employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination.

Ciena is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.

If contacted in relation to a job opportunity, please advise Ciena of any accommodation measures you may require.