Technical Solutions Engineer – Data Center PON

About the role

This Technical Solutions Engineer role contributes to next-generation Data Center Out-of-Band Management (DCOM) networks built on Passive Optical Networking (PON) technology for AI hyperscalers and neoscalers. The position drives successful solution delivery, deployment readiness, and customer outcomes across complex networking environments.

Responsibilities

• Gather and analyze requirements for routing and switching software solutions supporting 10Gbps PON network technologies and Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking applications.
• Provide technical expertise for SAOS embedded PON software and platforms to enable customer adoption and accelerate solution deployment.
• Translate customer and business requirements into scalable and operationally efficient networking solutions.
• Collaborate across requirements analysis, integration, verification, solution validation, and customer engagement activities.
• Ensure deployment and operational readiness of PON-based data center management networks with a focus on reliability, scalability, and security.
• Contribute to the enhancement of DCOM PON capabilities and customer experience.
• Identify, analyze, and resolve technical challenges while aligning internal and external stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent discipline.
• 7+ years of relevant industry experience.
• Application of Passive Optical Networking (PON) technologies, including OLT, ONT/ONU, and broadband access architectures such as FTTx.
• Utilization of Layer 2 and Layer 3 networking technologies, including Ethernet, VLAN, QoS, IPv4, IPv6, switching, and routing.
• Application of network management and automation interfaces, including NETCONF/YANG, gRPC/gNMI, telemetry, and REST APIs.
• Experience collaborating with remote and globally distributed teams and engaging technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or designing network solutions within complex enterprise or data center environments.

Skills

Nice to have

• Familiarity with containerized and modern network architectures, including Docker, SDN, NFV, and disaggregated networking solutions.
• Experience with database technologies, including MongoDB or JSON-based databases.
• Knowledge of secure networking technologies, including SSH, TLS, and X.509 certificates.
• Experience supporting data center networking environments used by hyperscale or large cloud infrastructure operators.

Pay

The annual pay range for this position is $115,500 - $184,500 CAD. The annual pay range for this position in California is $148,200 - $236,800 USD. 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.

Benefits

• 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.
• Compliance with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.
• Non-Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus; Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission.