At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch technical support for Blue Planet software and troubleshoot issues.
- Company: Join 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: Dynamic team with a focus on innovation and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting cutting-edge technology and enhancing customer success.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of Linux/Unix, cloud technologies, and experience in customer-facing roles.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ 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.
Blue Planet, a division of Ciena, is seeking a Blue Planet Portfolio Support Engineer to join the Advanced Technical Support Team in EMEA. This post-sales role sits at the intersection of networking and software, supporting customers as they deploy and operate Blue Planet applications within their networks. The position offers exposure to cutting-edge software platforms, close collaboration with global engineering teams, and meaningful impact on customer success.
How you will make an impact:
- Deliver first-level technical support for the Blue Planet software portfolio, troubleshooting and resolving software and system-related issues.
- Partner with Blue Planet Solution Experts, the Global Engineering Community, Research and Development (R&D) Engineering, and Product Line Management (PLM) teams to identify, report, and resolve product defects.
- Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction through clear communication, structured problem solving, and timely issue resolution.
- Develop and document effective workarounds to minimise customer impact from functional limitations.
- Support multi-product interoperability across Blue Planet solutions and third-party software or equipment.
- Provide actionable feedback to account teams, PLM, and R&D to influence future product enhancements.
- Advocate for customer needs internally while representing Ciena’s technical and quality standards externally.
The must haves:
- Working knowledge of Linux or Unix operating systems.
- Exposure to containerisation and cloud-native technologies including Docker, Kubernetes, microservices, and Open vSwitch.
- Bachelor’s degree in network engineering, systems engineering, computer science, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
- Foundational experience supporting software applications in customer-facing or post-sales environments.
- Ability to analyse logs, datasets, and system behaviour to isolate root causes.
- Experience with Python and shell scripting for troubleshooting or automation.
- Familiarity with databases such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, ClickHouse, or graph databases.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to remain effective in high-pressure situations.
- Proven ability to manage and prioritise multiple customer cases simultaneously.
Nice to haves:
- Hands-on experience with virtualisation platforms such as VMware ESXi, Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM), or Xen.
- Solid understanding of networking concepts and protocols, including Ethernet, Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS), Internet Protocol (IP), Virtual Private Networks (VPNs), Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), User Datagram Protocol (UDP), Interior Gateway Protocols (IGP) such as Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) or Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS), Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), Layer 2 and Layer 3 VPNs, Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP), Syslog, Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP), and Secure Shell (SSH).
- Experience with cloud-based architectures and monitoring tools such as Nagios or Grafana.
- Familiarity with customer relationship management and ticketing systems such as Salesforce or Jira.
- Industry certifications such as Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA), Linux, Kubernetes, Amazon Web Services (AWS), or Google Cloud.
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.
Blue Planet Portfolio Support employer: Ciena Government Solutions
Ciena is an exceptional employer that prioritises a people-first approach, fostering a flexible work environment that champions individual growth and well-being. As a Blue Planet Portfolio Support Engineer, you will be part of a collaborative team that not only drives technological innovation but also makes a meaningful impact on customer success and community engagement. With ample opportunities for professional development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Ciena stands out as a rewarding place to build your career in the tech industry.
Contact Details:
Ciena Government Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Blue Planet Portfolio Support
✨Join the IT Consultancy Buzz
Get involved in local or virtual IT consultancy meetups and forums. This is where we can rub shoulders with industry professionals, get insights into what Ciena Government Solutions values, and even spot unadvertised opportunities. Don't miss out on these chances to make a name for ourselves in the IT world!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a personal project or case study relevant to the challenges Ciena Government Solutions might face. Use platforms like GitHub or Medium to share your findings. This not only demonstrates our consulting skills but shows a proactive attitude, making us stand out from the crowd when applying for that full-time gig.
✨Leverage LinkedIn for Connections
Follow and engage with the relevant thought leaders and influencers in IT consultancy on LinkedIn. Share insightful content and join discussions to gain visibility. A well-placed comment or shared article could catch the attention of someone at Ciena Government Solutions!
✨Direct Apply to Ciena Government Solutions
Let's not forget to apply directly through the Ciena Government Solutions website! Tailor your application to showcase our understanding of their consulting style and how we can contribute to their projects. A personalised approach can make a huge difference in landing that full-time position!
We think you need these skills to ace Blue Planet Portfolio Support
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In IT consulting, it's all about problem-solving, so make sure your CV highlights your analytical skills and any relevant projects you've tackled. Mention specific technologies or methodologies you've used to resolve issues or improve processes; this shows you can think critically and deliver results, which is vital for us at Ciena Government Solutions.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Certifications like ITIL, PMP, or even specific tech stack qualifications can really make you stand out. Make sure to include these in your CV, as they not only demonstrate your expertise but also your commitment to staying current in the field. We love seeing candidates who are proactive about their professional development!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at Ciena Government Solutions. Share stories about your experiences in IT consulting, and how they shaped your desire to join our team. Mention why you’re excited about this particular role, and how you see yourself contributing to our projects.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We're all busy, so make sure your application is easy to read. Use bullet points for key achievements, and don’t overload us with jargon. A clean, professional layout goes a long way. Remember, the clearer your application, the more likely we are to invite you in for an interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena Government Solutions
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Skills
For an IT consulting role, be ready to demonstrate your technical prowess. You might face questions on systems integration, cloud technologies, or even troubleshooting specific software. If you have experience with tools like AWS, Azure, or even specific programming languages, make sure you can talk about them fluently.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Approach
IT consulting is all about solving problems for clients. Think about how you can illustrate your approach to a past challenge using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). It's a great way to show how you tackle complex issues and come up with effective solutions.
✨Know the Business Impact of IT Solutions
When discussing your experiences, focus not just on the tech solutions you implemented, but also on their business impact. Employers want to see that you can connect IT with organisational goals. Prep examples that highlight how your tech contributions improved efficiency or reduced costs for past clients or projects.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Since IT consulting often involves teamwork and client interactions, expect behavioural questions that assess your interpersonal skills. Be prepared with examples that demonstrate your adaptability, communication skills, and how you handle client feedback. Before the interview, think of situations where you worked closely with clients to create effective IT strategies or changes.
