Ciena

Senior Software Development Manager

Ciena$140K — $225K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent
  • 8+ years of software development experience with modern engineering practices
  • 2+ years managing direct reports in an engineering setting
  • Proven experience delivering complex software solutions within Agile frameworks
  • Experience mentoring engineering teams to achieve delivery outcomes
  • Strong communication skills for collaboration with distributed teams
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced and evolving environments

Responsibilities

  • Lead development teams to create AI-enabled applications for network management
  • Mentor engineering talent to foster a collaborative team culture
  • Plan and execute features to meet delivery timelines and quality demands
  • Promote the adoption of AI technologies to enhance development efficiency
  • Collaborate with product management, data science, UX, and platform engineering
  • Implement engineering best practices like modular design and automated testing

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans
  • Participation in retirement plans with company matching (401(K) in the USA, DCPP in Canada)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP)
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Paid holidays, sick leave, and vacation time
  • Compliance with legal requirements for Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence
Full Job Description

Ciena is advancing network automation through AI-powered applications that enhance network management and optimization. This role contributes to delivering intelligent, scalable software solutions that improve performance and operational efficiency. The position also shapes engineering practices that support AI-driven innovation and transformation.

How you will make an impact:

  • Lead development teams in delivering AI-enabled applications for network management and optimization
  • Mentor and develop engineering talent to build a collaborative and high-performing team environment
  • Drive planning and execution of features to meet delivery timelines and quality expectations
  • Champion adoption and scaling of AI technologies to improve development efficiency and product innovation
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including product management, data science, UX, and platform engineering
  • Implement engineering best practices including modular design, performance optimization, and automated testing

The must haves:

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or equivalent
  • Experience: 8+ years of software development experience applying modern engineering practices
  • Experience: 2+ years of experience managing direct reports in an engineering environment
  • Delivery of complex software solutions within Agile development frameworks
  • Leadership and mentoring of engineering teams supporting delivery outcomes
  • Communication and collaboration across distributed teams and cross-functional stakeholders
  • Ability to operate effectively in evolving and fast-paced environments

Nice to haves:

  • Experience applying AI/ML technologies in production systems
  • Experience leading AI transformation initiatives within engineering teams
  • Experience with network management systems, software-defined networking (SDN), or network automation platforms
  • Experience utilizing cloud-native platforms, microservices architectures, and Kubernetes
  • Background in data-driven decision making and analytics

#LI-BS1

Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is C$140,900 - C$225,100.

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.

About Ciena

Ciena Corporation is a global supplier of telecommunications networking equipment, software, and services. The company was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Hanover, Maryland. Ciena's products include optical transport and switching systems, software, and services that support the transport, switching, aggregation, and management of voice, video, and data traffic. Ciena serves customers in the telecommunications industry, including telecommunications service providers, cable operators, governments, and enterprises. The company has approximately 7,000 employees worldwide and operates in more than 100 countries.
Learn more about Ciena
Size
7,241 employees
Market Cap
$7.3 billion
Industry
Net Income
$354.3 million
Founded
1992
5 Year Trend
+5.3%
Revenue
$3.4 billion
NASDAQ

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