Senior R&D Operations Lead – Industrialization & Technology Transfer at Ciena, Milan

Senior R&D Operations Lead – Industrialization & Technology Transfer at Ciena in Milan. Full-time. Apply with swipeandhired.

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 is seeking a Senior R&D Operations Lead – Industrialization & Technology Transfer to bridge the gap between engineering prototypes and fully industrialized products, ensuring that innovative photonic technologies are translated into manufacturable, testable, cost-effective, and scalable solutions.
Working at the intersection of Technology Development, Product Development, and Manufacturing Engineering, the successful candidate will drive the transition from prototypes to production-ready products and processes, establishing the foundations required for reliable high-volume manufacturing.
The ideal candidate combines a solid understanding of high-tech manufacturing environments with strong business acumen, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to turn complex engineering challenges into practical industrial solutions.
Initially, this will be a hands-on, senior individual contributor role , offering the opportunity to build a new function, define its operating model, and directly contribute to industrialization activities.

How You Will Make an Impact

The Must Haves

Nice to Haves

Why This Opportunity Is Unique
This role offers an opportunity to help transform advanced integrated photonics technologies from innovative engineering concepts into scalable manufacturing solutions. The successful candidate will play a key role in building the processes, methodologies, and technical capabilities required to support industrialization and high-volume production.
As the R&D Operations function matures, the role may also provide opportunities to take on broader leadership responsibilities based on business needs and individual contribution.

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.