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- Tasks: Lead technical strategy and guide sales in transforming networks with AI and automation.
- 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 innovation and social impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the tech world while working with cutting-edge AI technologies.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in product management or pre-sales, with expertise in AI and 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 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.
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 organization 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 organization
- 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.
Principal Solutions Architect employer: Ciena Government Solutions
Contact Detail:
Ciena Government Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Principal Solutions Architect
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, webinars, or even local meetups. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that Principal Solutions Architect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare to discuss your experience with AI and Autonomous Networks in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles—this will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating complex concepts clearly, as this is crucial for the role. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll be during the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative. Plus, it gives you a chance to showcase your enthusiasm for Ciena and our mission. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to join a company that values its people!
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 in Autonomous Networking and AI, and how it aligns with Ciena's mission. We want to see how you can make an impact!
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Don’t hold back on detailing your technical skills! We’re looking for someone with a strong background in OSS and telecommunications technologies. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hands-on experience and problem-solving abilities.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, clarity is key. Avoid jargon and keep your language straightforward. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the point, especially when discussing complex concepts.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Ciena!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ciena Government Solutions
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Autonomous Networks and AI technologies. Be ready to discuss how these concepts apply to the telecommunications industry, especially in relation to Ciena's products and services.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your 10+ years in senior product management or pre-sales roles. Highlight your hands-on experience with OSS solutions and how you've successfully translated business requirements into technical solutions.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Ciena’s culture, their approach to innovation, and how they support employee growth. This shows you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Be Ready for Technical Challenges
Expect to tackle some technical scenarios during the interview. Practice articulating your thought process clearly, especially when discussing complex concepts related to networking technologies and AI applications.