Director, Component Engineering

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’s Procurement Organization is seeking a strategic and forward‑thinking Director of Component Engineering to lead innovation and operational excellence across the component engineering function. This highly influential role strengthens Ciena’s technology roadmap, deepens supplier partnerships, and ensures the reliability and performance of components that power Ciena’s global solutions.

How you will make an impact:
• Lead a global team of component engineers while driving strategic planning, operational excellence, and budget management.
• Co-develop commodity strategies with Global Commodity Managers, aligning deep technical insights with Ciena’s business priorities.
• Advise Research & Development teams on component technologies, selection approaches, and readiness throughout New Product Introduction and Lifecycle Management programs.
• Build strong partnerships with manufacturers to influence technology roadmaps, reliability standards, compliance expectations, quality processes, and capacity planning.
• Oversee manufacturer and component onboarding, including audits, reliability qualifications, and compliance assessments.
• Mitigate supply risks through multi-sourcing strategies, alternate sourcing, and proactive management of obsolescence and geopolitical risks.
• Drive continuous improvement and digital transformation initiatives to elevate component engineering efficiency and supply chain effectiveness.

The must haves:
• Degree in Electrical Engineering or Physics (+) with 15+ years of relevant experience; Master’s Degree preferred.
• 10+ years of experience leading high-performing engineering teams.
• Deep technical understanding of telecom component technologies, fabrication processes, and the global supplier landscape.
• Expertise in telecom standards such as Telcordia, IPC, and JEDEC, along with regulatory and environmental compliance.
• Proven experience in component reliability, failure mechanisms, and quality assurance.
• Strong leadership capability to influence, collaborate, and align stakeholders across technical and business functions.
• Exceptional communication skills to clearly articulate technical matters to varied audiences.

Nice to haves:
• Experience driving digital transformation or automation initiatives within supply chain or engineering domains.
• Familiarity with Agile product lifecycle management systems.
• Exposure to customer-facing activities such as RFIs, RFPs, or compliance inquiries.
• Background in supplier qualification, factory audits, or global manufacturing operations.
• Knowledge of REACH, RoHS, TSCA, asbestos regulations, or other global environmental compliance frameworks.
• Experience developing KPIs or quality scorecards for senior leadership.
• Ability to excel in complex, fast-paced, global environments with multiple stakeholders.

Pay Range:
The annual pay range for this position in Ottawa is $144, 800 - $231, 200

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.