Senior Consulting Field Systems Engineer

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.

Are you ready to be the technical bridge between cutting-edge optical networking solutions and one of the world’s largest technology companies?
As a Consulting Field Systems Engineer, you’ll serve as the customer-facing technical resource supporting Google across the globe. Based in the Bay Area, California, this role offers the opportunity to drive innovation, deliver impactful solutions, and position Ciena as the leader in networking components, hardware, and software.
 

How You Will Contribute:

• Provide technical oversight, including on-site customer engagements, architectural discussions, and requirements definition for engineering teams.

• Prepare proposals, RFx responses, network designs, and documentation while quoting solutions and developing business cases.

• Articulate the value of Ciena’s solutions to customers, differentiating against competitors and consulting on best practices for network integration.

• Lead the transition of customers from end-of-life products to next-generation Ciena solutions and support product certifications, acceptance testing, and network introductions.

• Manage customer requests, coordinate sales activities, and track product deliverables while addressing technical challenges and ensuring seamless communication with regional teams.

• Build network cost models to optimize designs for both subsea and terrestrial networks while understanding data center architectures, edge networking, and optical transport.

• Travel as needed to customer sites, R&D locations, and technical conferences for engagements, presentations, and collaborative discussions.
   

The Must Haves:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent experience (Master’s preferred).

• 10+ years of telecommunications or industry experience, with a background in engineering or product management.

• Strong technical expertise in optical communications, subsea networking, data center architectures, and automation software.

• Familiarity with cloud architecture, APIs, ZTP methods, and DCN networking models.

• Exceptional organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage dynamic activities and competing priorities.

• Proven ability to drive RFP activities, trials, product acceptance, and customer transitions.

• Professionalism, strategic thinking, and a proactive mindset to build strong customer relationships and support overall sales strategies.
   

The Assets:

• In-depth understanding of communications and optical components.

• Experience with sales opportunity and quoting tools.

• Project management expertise and the ability to construct feature/price analysis spreadsheets.

Pay Range:

The annual total target compensation pay range for this position in California is $219,000 - $350,600.  This includes both base and incentive compensation.

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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.