Software Governance Specialist

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.

Join a team that helps strengthen Software Governance across Ciena's products by advancing transparency, compliance, and responsible technology practices. This role contributes to the review of software components, governance processes, and risk management activities related to open source software, licensing, intellectual property, security, and AI. The position offers the opportunity to expand scope over time while partnering with technical, legal, and business stakeholders.

How you will make an impact:

• Review and approve Software Bills of Materials (SBOMs) to validate software component identification and assessment of licensing, security, and intellectual property risks.
• Partner with engineering, product line management, and cross-functional teams to provide guidance on the use of third-party, open source, and proprietary software.
• Identify and manage risks related to software licensing, intellectual property, security vulnerabilities, and AI through governance processes and risk mitigation practices.
• Maintain and enhance Software Governance frameworks, processes, and tools to support compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and industry standards.
• Contribute to the development, review, and continuous improvement of Software Governance policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to maintain accurate software inventory records, compliance documentation, and customer disclosures.
• Build relationships across teams to increase awareness, accountability, and adoption of governance practices.

The must haves:

• Experience: 5+ years of experience applying open source software licensing concepts, including common license types and obligations.
• Application of software licensing principles across open source and commercial licensing models.
• Experience working within software development environments and processes, including governance, compliance, and security considerations across the lifecycle.
• Application of AI technologies in software development or business contexts, including responsible use and governance considerations.
• Awareness of emerging AI trends and architectures, including generative AI and agentic systems, and associated governance implications.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills used to assess risks and contribute to structured risk evaluations and documentation.
• Communication skills used to explain technical and compliance-related topics to diverse audiences.

Nice to haves:

• Working knowledge of software composition analysis (SCA) tools and software vulnerability management practices.
• Application of software intellectual property concepts, including copyright, licensing rights, and contractual obligations.
• Background in secure software development lifecycle (SDLC), DevSecOps environments, and modern software development and delivery practices.
• Experience: Experience supporting or contributing to policy development, risk mitigation tracking, audits, or compliance activities.
• Familiarity with AI governance frameworks and standards, including NIST AI RMF and EU AI Act concepts, and alignment with internal practices and policies.
• Experience identifying and assessing AI-related risks across data, model, and deployment lifecycles, including privacy, bias, security, and regulatory considerations.

Pay Range:

The annual pay range for this position is $69,300 - $110,700 CAD

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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.