Senior Manager Software Development

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.

Are you ready to lead, inspire, and mentor a talented team of software developers while driving innovation in embedded software on the fastest growing Ciena product? We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Senior Software Development Manager to drive the development and delivery of cutting‑edge optical software on the Reconfigurable Line System (RLS) product. As a key leader in the RLS Software team, you will have the opportunity to work with other software and system team members to shape the next generation of scalable optical products. We are on the leading edge of this incredible AI growth together with Cloud and Service providers.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership and Development: Lead, mentor, and manage a team of software designers responsible for developing embedded software and drivers that interface with photonic hardware. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the team. Provide technical guidance and career development opportunities for team members.
• Software Development and Delivery: Oversee the design, development, testing, and delivery of embedded software for RLS Interface Management Modules. Ensure software and drivers meet high standards for quality, reliability, and performance. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to define software requirements and ensure alignment with product goals.
• Factory Collaboration: Work closely with factory teams to ensure new modules can be properly tested and calibrated. Develop processes and tools to streamline testing and calibration workflows.
• Vendor Management: Serve as the primary interface with third‑party vendors to ensure software requirements are clearly communicated, schedules are maintained, and deliverables are met. Monitor vendor progress, ensuring timely resolution of software defects and thorough testing of fixes.
• Cross‑Team Collaboration: Coordinate with peer teams located in different time zones to ensure smooth integration of software components. Act as a key liaison between software engineering, hardware engineering, and other functional teams to drive project success.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities to improve development processes, tools, and methodologies. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and emerging technologies, particularly in photonics and layer0 systems.

The Must Haves

• At least 5 years of experience managing a team of software designers in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment.
• Experience managing schedules and technical deliverables of third‑party vendors.
• Proven ability to work effectively with peer teams located in different time zones.
• Strong experience managing third‑party vendors, including defining requirements, monitoring schedules, and resolving issues.
• Solid understanding of embedded software development and drivers for hardware interfaces.
• Experience with embedded software development, card and module bring‑up, Linux/VxWorks and RTOS device drivers, HAL, alarming, control and management software.
• Knowledge of photonic technologies and layer0 systems is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with testing and calibration processes for hardware/software integration.

Nice to Haves

• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working in the optical networking or telecommunications industry.
• Strong problem‑solving skills and ability to make data‑driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to non‑technical stakeholders.

Pay Range

The salary range for this role is $139,400–$222,600. Pay ranges at Ciena are designed to accommodate variations in knowledge, skills, experience, market conditions and locations, reflecting our diverse products, industries, and lines of business. This figure relates specifically to the primary location listed in case multiple locations are available.

Benefits

Non‑Sales employees may be eligible for a discretionary incentive bonus, while Sales employees may be eligible for a sales commission. In addition to competitive compensation, Ciena offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, participation in 401(k) (USA) and DCPP (Canada) with company matching, Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), company‑paid holidays, paid sick leave and vacation time. We also comply with all applicable laws regarding Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.

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.