Senior Associate - Sales Engineering || Location Mumbai

Ciena is committed to our people-first philosophy. Our teams enjoy a culture focused on prioritizing a personalized and flexible work environment that empowers an individual’s passions, growth, wellbeing and belonging. We’re a technology company that leads with our humanity—driving our business priorities alongside meaningful social, community, and societal impact.

Why Ciena: 

• We are big proponents of life-work integration and provide the flexibility and tools to make it a reality with remote work and potentially, part-time work. 

• We believe an inclusive, diverse and barrier-free work environment makes for empowered and committed employees.  

• We recognize the importance of well-being and offer programs and benefits to support and sustain the mental and physical health of our employees and their families and also offer a variety of paid family leave programs. 

• We are committed to employee development, offering tuition reimbursement and a variety of in-house learning and mentorship opportunities. 

• We know that financial security is important.  We offer competitive salaries and incentive programs, RSU’s (job level specific) and an employee share option purchase program. 

• We realize time away to recharge is non-negotiable.  We offer flexible paid time off! 

• Great work deserves recognition. We have a robust recognition program, with ongoing and enhanced awards for exemplary performance. 

How You Will Contribute: 

• Accountable for the defined business outcomes within assigned territory or accounts
• Assist the account teams in identifying, qualifying and engaging the customers at all levels both at a technical and business level.
• Coordinate and collaborate with various departments such as product management, engineering etc. to influence feature and function roadmaps for Ciena’s packet optical portfolio.
• Act as a customer advocate to internal teams and a trusted advisor to the customers
• Assist in assessment of potential product features, providing input on prioritization.
• Be capable of presenting to large audiences on the subject matter.
• Influence and capture customer applications to ensure product fits with Ciena portfolio.
• Understand the evolution of Ciena’s product portfolio and articulate these plans to customers at a senior level.
• Strong business development/commercial acumen to partner and support the regional strategy in moving into adjacent areas and evolving our packet optical Networking portfolio engagement.

What Does Ciena Expect of You? 

• Initiative – you’re a self-starter who works with limited direction and is committed to delivering against aggressive deadlines. 

• Agility – you are readily able to make key decisions and manage competing and ever-changing account priorities and largely driven by the software development process. 

• Communication expertise – you have the ability to influence and tailor your message and ideas to the audience to ensure understanding and consensus. 

• The flexibility to work independently and as part of a broader team – you thrive in a multi-disciplinary team environment, but are comfortable working independently as required. 

• Relationship builder – with an ability to influence, you’re able to get work done through others. 

• A commitment to innovation – you keep abreast of the market and competitive developments and are always keen to formulate new ideas and problem solve.

The Must Haves: 

• Technical Degree; B.E./B.Tech
• Expertise in Layer-0, Layer-1 networks (DCI, metro, long-distance transport); knowledge of Layer-2/3 technologies.
• 4+ years in telecom industry; hands-on experience in planning, designing, or deploying large-scale L0/L1 control plane networks preferred.
• Strong technical foundation with commercial mindset; sales experience is a plus.
• Excellent decision-making, problem-solving, communication (English), presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experienced in engaging diverse market segments: data centers, utilities, Tier 1/2/3 operators, enterprise, etc.
• Knowledge of network management, SDN, network automation, and transport network architecture.
• Ability to drive RFPs, understand competitive sales, and ensure accurate technical quotations.
• Skilled in liaising with engineering to define requirements and position solutions.
• Builds trust, inspires, and influences stakeholders, including senior executives.
• Understanding of Ciena’s strategic pillars and telecom architecture trends; professional demeanor.

Location: Mumbai