Technical Sales Development Program

As the global leader in high-speed connectivity, Ciena builds the critical infrastructure powering the AI era. We’re a technology company shaping the future of networking, guided by innovation, integrity, and collaboration. Through development opportunities, meaningful work, and flexibility, Ciena supports growth and well-being—on and off the job. Connect with a career that matters.

How You Will Contribute

Our comprehensive, 24- month, Atlanta, GA based Technical Sales Development Program (TSDP) will prepare you for a successful career in technical sales as an Account Manager (AM) or in sales engineering as a Sales Engineer (SE).

An Account Manager (AM) has a relentless drive to achieve results and is pivotal to Ciena’s success. They are trusted partners and strategic thinkers with exceptional communication and negotiation skills. An AM focuses on strengthening connections with current customers and identifying new business opportunities.

A Sales Engineer (SE) serves as the technical bridge between Ciena’s current and future customers. They engage with customers in a consultative capacity, utilizing their technical aptitude to design networks, cultivate sales and profitability within current accounts, and develop business strategies to drive new client opportunities by taking ownership of the prime technical relationship.

As a participant in this classroom-based and hands-on training program, you’ll have ample opportunities for networking, mentoring, and coaching with engineers, architects, and other professional/technical personnel enterprise-wide.

You’ll not only work with our sophisticated technology, but you’ll also learn how to prospect for new business, solve problems, and learn to understand what excellent customer service looks like.

You’ll undertake deep dives into Ciena’s product portfolios and organization, customer landscape, network and engineering design, the end-to-end sales cycle and key functional groups such as Field Service, Technical Support, Professional Services, and Program Management.

At the conclusion of the training program, you may be asked to relocate to one of Ciena’s nationwide markets.

The Must Haves

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or Business

Desired Assets

Prior technical and/or sales co-op/work experience.

Pay Range:

The annual pay for this position is: $74,000 + 25% Target Commission

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.