Junior 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 successful planning and launch of new products that support our customers’ most demanding connectivity needs. Serving as a central leader across engineering, product, and customer‑facing teams, the Project Manager ensures that every product release progresses with clarity, discipline, and a focus on delivering high‑quality outcomes.

How you will make an impact:

• Lead cross‑functional teams through Ciena’s new product introduction and lifecycle management processes
• Coordinate release plans that deliver committed scope on schedule and with high quality
• Mitigate risk by developing and executing comprehensive risk‑management plans
• Manage project schedules, scope, quality, and cost, ensuring transparent reporting to stakeholders
• Identify performance issues and guide the team through recovery planning and execution
• Maintain centralized project documentation and ensure data accuracy in project‑status systems
• Support early customer engagements by coordinating deliverables and resolving pre‑release issues

The Must Haves

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in computer science, engineering, or a related field (+)
• 3-5 years of technical leadership experience, including 1-3 years in project management (+)
• Proven success leading complex software and hardware project deliveries (+)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including influence and negotiation (+)
• Solid project‑management capabilities across planning, risk assessment, issue resolution, and performance tracking (+)
• Ability to motivate and guide cross‑functional teams toward shared goals (+)
• High attention to detail with strong organizational and problem‑solving skills (+)

Nice To Haves

• Experience in product‑development environments
• PMP certification
• Demonstrated skill in managing change, ambiguity, and evolving priorities
• Ability to quickly learn technical concepts related to network products
• Experience working in fast‑paced, highly collaborative technology organizations

Pay Range The annual pay range for this position in Ottawa is $73, 200 - $116, 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.