Ciena Government Solutions Sales 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.

The Ciena Government Solutions Team (CGSI) is looking for a highly motivated Pre-Sales IP/DWDM Sales Engineer.  This position will focus on US Government customer engagements relative to IP/DWDM networking as well as software automation and will be responsible for delivering Pre-Sales engineering activities.

The Ciena US Government team is building momentum in the Federal Civilian, National Security, and DoW marketplace with sophisticated ethernet solutions and multivendor management solutions.  This is a technical sales role with focus on helping customers understand Ciena technology through product presentations, proofs of concept and demonstrations.

Must be a US citizen with the ability to obtain a security clearance.

How Will You Contribute:

• Perform network and applications engineering for multiple CIENA products
• Complete sophisticated network designs for customer application of networking products
• Proficient in use of Ciena network design and modeling tools
• Advise potential and current customers on application of products for next generation architectures
• Prepare quotations and assist in proposal preparation for Ciena products & upgrades
• Provide product and technical expertise to support Ciena Sales teams
• Prepare complex design and applications presentations
• Gain understanding of Salesforce and sales operations
• Up to 80% domestic and international travel required
• Performs other duties as assigned

The Must Haves:

• Work with customers every day on deployment, issues, etc – providing feedback into the larger Ciena team for resolution.
• Explain product functionality to customers to ensure they fully understand how Ciena products will benefit their missions
• Bring feedback to the Account/PLM/R&D community to help improve product functionality in future releases
• Provide updates on the execution and status of customer engagements
• Travel to customers within US Government vertical
• Ensure overall customer deployment plans and timelines are driven to success and any limiting issues are optimally driven through the Ciena team
• Act as the customer advocate internally to Ciena
• Occasionally provide help to Product Verification teams as a way to gain early familiarity with new product or functionality
• Occasionally provide post-sales support in both remote and on-site capacities

Collaboration with partners

Work with Sales group and PLM/Marketing to develop and/or propose product improvements to meet customer requirements 

• Although part of a larger group, the candidate must be able to work in a customer environment with limited on-site support assistance
• Sophisticated knowledge of fiber optic DWDM transmission and OTN switching systems
• Knowledge of multi-layer network architectures (IP, Ethernet, MPLS) and Core Routing/Switching technologies and protocols (BGP, OSPF, IS-IS, IGRP, G.8032, MPLS-TP, 802.1ag, etc) is required
• In depth knowledge of Route Optimization and Assurance, Segment Routing, EVPN and other Adaptive IP network architectures is a plus
• Software design and development knowledge (Linux, C/C++, Java, Python, REST, JSON, OpenFlow, OpenDaylight, ONOS, OpenStack, OPNFV, SDN, VMWare, etc.) is a plus
• Familiarity with automation, analytics and AI usage in networking operations is a plus
• Demonstrate working technical knowledge of Ethernet, Storage Networking (Fibre Channel, FICON), Software Defined Networking, Network Functions Virtualization, IP/MPLS, Encryption, WAN Optimization, Firewall, Virtual Routing and Virtualization
• The successful candidate will need to enjoy working daily with customers and have a “Customer First” demeanor to their role
• Effective communication and presentation skills
• Self-starter and self-manager with positive demeanor
• Team orientation, organized, and capable of independent work
• Multitasking: able to lead many projects simultaneously and appropriately resolve priorities
• Acumen for problem solving
• Ability to lead in an environment of change – flexibility, creativity and grit
• Ability to learn and grasp technical concepts related to products being developed 
• Able to work optimally and communicate at all levels within the Ciena workforce
• Technical Degree or BSEE preferred or meaningful work experience
• 6-8 years telecommunications proven experience
• Prior experience as a contributor on a sales focused account team
• The annual total target compensation pay range for this position is $181,400 - $289,800.  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.