Product Life Cycle Program Manager

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.

At Ciena, this role drives the planning and delivery of new product releases that support our customers’ most advanced connectivity needs. As a key member of the Product Life Cycle Project Management team, the Project Manager leads cross‑functional collaboration to bring high‑quality products and updates to market with clarity, discipline, and accountability.

How you will make an impact:

• Lead cross‑functional teams through Ciena’s new product introduction and lifecycle management processes
• Develop and coordinate release plans to deliver committed scope on schedule and with high quality
• Manage risk through development and execution of a comprehensive risk‑management plan
• Track and report project status across schedule, content, quality, and cost
• Identify project performance challenges and guide teams through recovery planning
• Negotiate timing and deliverable commitments from project team members
• Develop centralized repository project site and ensure project status database is maintained
• Manage early pre-release customer engagements by coordinating deliverables and resolving pre‑release issues

The Must Haves:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in computer science, engineering, or a related discipline
• 5–10 years of technical leadership experience, including 3–5 years in project management
• Experience leading complex software and hardware project deliveries
• Strong written and verbal communication, influence, and negotiation skills
• Proven project‑management capability in planning, risk assessment, and issue resolution
• Ability to motivate cross‑functional teams and drive alignment toward shared goals
• Ability to listen, persuade and achieve win-win negotiation results. 
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem‑solving skills

Nice to Haves:

• Product‑development experience
• PMP certification
• Experience navigating change, ambiguity, and shifting priorities
• Ability to learn and understand technical concepts related to networking products
• Experience working in fast‑paced technology environments

Pay Range:
The annual pay range for this position in Ottawa is $110, 100 - $175, 900

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. Please note that the pay range information provided in this posting pertains specifically to the primary location, which is the top location listed in case multiple locations are available.

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) & 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.
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.