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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 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
Ciena values diversity and respects employees as individuals. We do not tolerate any 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.
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