Senior Advisor, Network Standards

Location: Ottawa

Time Type: Full time

Job Description

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.

As a Senior Advisor, Network Standards, this role shapes the future of global networking by influencing the standards that underpin data communications and optical networking technologies. This position provides a unique opportunity to lead standards strategy at scale, collaborate with industry leaders, and ensure Ciena’s innovations are aligned with and influence international standards bodies. The role combines deep technical expertise and strategic leadership to drive cross-functional impact across the organization.

How you will make an impact:

• Develop and evolve Ciena’s network standards strategies in partnership with internal stakeholders, ensuring alignment with the company’s business objectives and strategic plan

• Lead and coordinate a global, virtual community of international standards contributors, maintaining visibility into contributions and activities, and ensuring strategic impact

• Maintain accurate points of contact and visibility into Ciena participation in Standards Development Organizations (SDOs)

• Identify gaps in standards engagement and recommend targeted enhancements to ensure comprehensive coverage of strategic standards development

• Manage SDO memberships, including joining, renewing, and exiting memberships as required

• Drive coordinated strategy and make individual contributions across key SDOs (i.e. ITU-T SG15, OIF, IETF), particularly where technical topics span multiple organizations

• Provide strategic insight on emerging standards trends and their implications for Ciena’s technology investments and product roadmap

The must haves:

• 10+ years of experience leading and contributing to international standards development in data communications and optical networking

• Demonstrated contributions within one or more of the following: International Telecommunication Union – Telecommunication Standardization Sector Study Group 15 (ITU-T SG15), Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF), Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.1 (IEEE 802.1), and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.3 (IEEE 802.3)

• Proven experience leading or managing standards teams, including in virtual team models

• Strong ability to align standards activity with business and technology strategy and to drive outcomes in standards

• Excellent cross-functional communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Nice to haves:

• Experience in hardware and/or software product development for networking equipment spanning Layer 0 through Layer 3

• Leadership roles within Standards Development Organizations, such as chair, or specification editor

• Working knowledge of intellectual property policies and patent considerations within standards-setting environments

• Business acumen and/or experience in product management roles

• Ability to navigate complex, multi-SDO technical landscapes and build consensus with industry and government participants

• Ability to understand diverse cultural dynamics, context, and motivations while developing standards.

• Ability to invest in long‑term relationships that create mutual trust, goodwill, and future reciprocity beyond immediate transactions.

The pay range for this position, in Canadian dollars, is: $126,900.00 - 202,700.00

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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.