At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technical strategy and guide sales teams in transforming networks with AI.
- Company: Ciena, a leader in high-speed connectivity with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Flexible work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to employee wellbeing and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the tech world by driving innovation in Autonomous Networking.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in product management or pre-sales, with AI experience in telecommunications.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena is committed to a people-first approach. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritising 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.
Principal Solutions Architect, Autonomous Networking
Blue Planet, a division of Ciena, is redefining how communications service providers (CSPs) operate through intelligent automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This senior technical role supports the Blue Planet sales organisation as an operations transformation expert, combining deep domain expertise with a strong customer-facing presence to help CSPs evolve toward Autonomous Networks.
How you will make an impact:
- Provide senior technical leadership and strategic guidance to the international sales organisation
- Articulate product vision, roadmap, and value proposition to both business and technical stakeholders
- Apply expertise in Autonomous Networks and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to address customer business and operational challenges
- Lead technical engagement across the sales lifecycle, including discovery, solution definition, and customer presentations
- Review and contribute to Requests for Information (RFI) and Requests for Proposal (RFP) responses in partnership with Technical Sales Leaders
- Define Proof of Concept (PoC) success criteria and support solution evaluations with sales and systems engineering teams
- Drive product and solution feedback into Product Management using established internal tools and processes, including Aha!
The must haves:
- 10+ years of experience in senior product management, pre-sales, or delivery roles within the Operations Support Systems (OSS) domain
- 3+ years of hands-on experience deploying Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies in telecommunications environments, including Autonomous Networking use cases
- 12+ years of experience with telecommunications networking technologies, including Wide Area Networks (WAN), Local Area Networks (LAN), Layers 0–3 switching and routing, virtual network functions, and 5G wireless
- Proven experience selling and/or delivering OSS solutions supporting planning, provisioning, and service assurance
- Strong ability to translate business requirements into technical solutions and present complex concepts clearly
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent professional experience
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally, sometimes on short notice
Nice to haves:
- Experience in OSS domains such as network inventory, service design, orchestration, activation, assurance, performance, or service quality management
- Deep familiarity with the broader OSS ecosystem and products from vendors such as Amdocs, Ericsson, Netcracker, Oracle, or Nokia
- Experience authoring solution requirement documents for OSS deployment projects
- Knowledge of enterprise architecture frameworks and industry models such as TM Forum, Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO), and Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF)
- Fluency in one or more languages in addition to English
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.
We prioritise growth, wellbeing, and recognition for our teams.
Principal Solutions Architect employer: Ciena Corporation
Ciena is an exceptional employer that champions a people-first culture, offering a flexible work environment that prioritises individual growth and well-being. As a Principal Solutions Architect, you will thrive in a collaborative atmosphere that values innovation and social impact, while benefiting from extensive opportunities for professional development and recognition within the dynamic field of telecommunications and AI.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Solutions Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that a CV just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Knowing their values and recent projects can help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the role of Principal Solutions Architect. Highlight your experience with AI and telecommunications to stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Principal Solutions Architect
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Solutions Architect role. Highlight your experience with AI and telecommunications, and show us how you can bring value to our team.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:We want to see your technical prowess! Include specific examples of your work with OSS and Autonomous Networking. This is your chance to shine, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain complex concepts, as we appreciate clarity just as much as depth in your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena Corporation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Autonomous Networks and AI technologies. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in past roles, especially in telecommunications. This will show that you can translate complex concepts into practical solutions.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Principal Solutions Architect, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead technical engagements. Prepare examples of how you've guided teams through the sales lifecycle, from discovery to customer presentations. Highlight your strategic thinking and how it has positively impacted previous projects.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Ciena values a people-first approach and a flexible work environment. Research their culture and be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs. This will help you connect on a personal level during the interview.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face technical questions related to OSS and networking technologies. Review key concepts and be ready to explain how you've tackled challenges in these areas. Practising with a friend or mentor can help you articulate your thoughts clearly.
