Senior Engineer Technical Support – Routing & Switching OR SDN/NFV/5G (Location - UK Remote)

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.

How You Will Contribute

As an Engineering Technical Support (ETS) Engineer at Ciena, you will play a critical role in driving resolution for complex networking issues that impact our customers. You will:

• Serve as the primary bridge between customer/field escalations and the R&D teams, ensuring timely resolution of service-impacting defects.

• Validate candidate software builds and confirm that fixes meet quality and functional expectations.

• Collaborate closely with engineers across embedded software, hardware, testing, and network management software teams to deliver cohesive, end-to-end solutions.

• Coordinate with test and development teams to ensure comprehensive defect coverage and functionality.

• Recommend improvements and ensure delivery of high-quality software aligned with product requirements.

You will be working on cutting-edge technologies including:

• Distributed Network Function Virtualization Interface (DNFVI)

• Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

• vRouter/vSwitch

• Next-gen core and edge routers and switches

• All within a virtualized, microservices-oriented, container-based architecture

You’ll work in a collaborative environment, interacting with:

• R&D Software and Product Validation teams

• Field Support

• Customer Account teams

• PLMs and Product Architects

The Must Haves

To succeed in this role, candidates must bring:

• 7+ years of industry experience and a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent.

• Strong background in Routing, Switching, OR SDN/NFV/5G technologies.

• Experience in automated testing, preferably using Python and standard automation tools/frameworks.

• Solid hands-on experience in at least three of the following areas:

  • Ethernet, MPLS, IP Routing (BGP, IS-IS, OSPF), RSVP-TE, NFV

• Proven troubleshooting and problem-solving skills in real-world topologies.

• Effective communicator with excellent written and verbal English, and ability to collaborate across global teams.

Assets

Preferred or additional qualifications that will set you apart:

• Exposure to:

  • L3VPN, L2VPN, EVPN, Segment Routing

  • NFV architecture, Docker containers, Virtual Network Functions (VNF), Virtual Switches (OVS)

  • Software function chaining, hypervisors

• Familiarity with Network Management Systems, including protocols such as Netconf, SNMP, and MIBs.

• Experience with test equipment like Ixia, Spirent, and hands-on work with Juniper/Cisco products.

• Software development or debugging experience is a strong plus.

• Self-driven, motivated, and committed to product excellence and innovation.

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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.