NPI 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.

Ciena’s Interconnects Operations team is looking for a Technical NPI Project Manager to drive the successful introduction and industrialization of our next-generation optical products at our manufacturing partner site in Thailand.

This role enables the successful industrialization and launch of advanced optical networking products by bridging engineering and manufacturing. The position focuses on driving new product introduction (NPI), yield improvement, and production readiness at a manufacturing partner site. The impact directly supports scalable, high-volume production that powers global communications infrastructure.

How You Will Make An Impact

• Lead new optical product introduction from development through high-volume production ramp
• Develop project plans, schedules, milestones, dependencies, and risk mitigation strategies
• Drive cross-functional NPI program execution across operations, manufacturing, engineering, quality, supply chain, and R&D
• Ensure alignment of stakeholders and timely completion of lifecycle deliverables
• Partner with contract manufacturers to enable production readiness and manufacturing transitions
• Analyze yield losses, production bottlenecks, and manufacturing issues to drive corrective actions
• Facilitate communication between manufacturing and R&D to enable design and process improvements

The Must Haves

• Education: Master’s degree OR Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Optical Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, or a related technical discipline
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in New Product Introduction (NPI), Technical Program Management, Product Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Process Engineering, or Operations Program Management
• Experience supporting products through prototype, pilot, and production ramp phases
• Application of manufacturing operations and product industrialization processes
• Collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams to resolve production issues
• Working knowledge of optical networking products, optical transceivers, optical modules, optical interconnects, optical splicing products, or related photonics or telecommunications hardware
• Application of yield analysis, root cause investigation, and process improvement methodologies

Nice To Haves

• Experience with optical communications, telecommunications, networking, photonics, or semiconductor products
• Experience working with contract manufacturing partners such as Fabrinet, Celestica, Jabil, Flex, or Foxconn
• Familiarity with manufacturing quality systems and continuous improvement methodologies
• Exposure to Agile project management practices
• Certifications: PMP certification
• Experience supporting global teams across operations, engineering, and manufacturing environments

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.