About Canonical

Canonical is the leading provider of open source software and operating systems to global enterprise and technology markets. Our flagship platform, Ubuntu, powers breakthrough initiatives in public cloud, data science, AI, engineering innovation, and IoT. Trusted by the world's top public cloud and silicon providers, Canonical serves industry leaders across sectors. As pioneers of global distributed collaboration, we employ over 1200 colleagues in 75+ countries with minimal office-based roles. Teams align on strategy and execution during two to four annual in-person sprints in captivating global locations. Founder-led, profitable, and rapidly growing, Canonical champions open source excellence.

Role Overview

The Silicon Alliances Ecosystem Development Manager at Canonical drives partnerships with leading semiconductor companies to integrate Ubuntu optimizations with cutting-edge silicon. This role combines technical depth in hardware and software with business development acumen to create joint product roadmaps, go-to-market plans, and innovative business models. Anchored in best-in-class Ubuntu, the goal is seamless deployment, maintenance, and development across cloud to edge hardware. Ideal for passionate technologists eager to evolve into business leadership, positions span early-career exploratory partnerships to senior strategic alliances. Fully remote in the Americas (EMEA candidates with flexible scheduling considered), the role involves global travel for sprints, events, and partner engagements in a remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

Partner Representation and Strategy Alignment

Represent Canonical, Ubuntu, and its ecosystem to silicon partners. Dive deep into partner strategies, technologies, and roadmaps to identify synergies with Canonical's products, from Linux kernel to Kubernetes and AI workloads.

Cross-Functional Leadership

Collaborate with engineering, product, marketing, and sales teams to define joint products, solutions, and programs. Leverage exceptional communication and influencing skills to navigate complex technical challenges and architect global strategies.

Project Execution and GTM

Ensure robust project plans are created, tracked, and delivered. Develop joint go-to-market strategies, campaigns, market messaging, collateral, and launch plans to maximize partnership impact.

Contract Negotiation

Negotiate successful contracts that enable differentiated hardware, robust product lifecycle support, and frictionless open source experiences on any compute platform.

Qualifications & Requirements

Essential Qualifications

A B.A., B.S., or B.E. degree in science, technology, or engineering is required. Fundamental understanding of the semiconductor industry and ecosystem is essential, alongside customer-facing experience in business development, technology strategy, or similar roles. Excellent communication skills to grasp complex material and synthesize key points are non-negotiable. Candidates must think and operate at both strategic and tactical levels while thriving in a disciplined, self-motivated remote-first workplace.

Preferred Skills

Experience in software and system architecture, open source software, and business models is highly valued. Team leadership or program management experience will set candidates apart for senior roles.

Benefits & Perks

Canonical offers competitive base pay tailored to location, experience, knowledge, and skills, ensuring global equity. Eligible roles include annual bonuses and sales incentives tied to revenue or utilization. Beyond compensation, all team members enjoy benefits reflecting our values: remote-first flexibility, global collaboration, and professional growth opportunities. Regular in-person sprints foster connection in inspiring destinations worldwide.

Career Growth

At Canonical, career progression is driven by impact and initiative in a meritocratic, distributed culture. Silicon Alliances roles offer pathways from partnership exploration to leading strategic alliances with semiconductor giants. Hone technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership while contributing to Ubuntu's dominance in enterprise Linux, cloud, AI, and edge computing. Access mentorship, training, and cross-team projects to architect the future of open source hardware-software integration.

Why Join Canonical

Join a founder-led innovator shaping open source adoption end-to-end. Work on Ubuntu, the fastest-growing enterprise Linux and engineer's choice for public cloud and beyond. Collaborate with top silicon providers to deliver optimized, differentiated solutions. Thrive in a profitable, growing company with remote-first global teams, meaningful travel, and equity-focused rewards. If you navigate technical complexity, learn rapidly, and build ecosystems, Canonical empowers you to drive enterprise open source transformation.

Role FAQs

Is this role fully remote?

Yes, home-based in the Americas with global travel for sprints, events, and partners. EMEA applicants with Americas-aligned schedules considered.

What experience level is required?

Early-career to senior; scope matches from exploratory to strategic partnerships.

Does Canonical prioritize open source experience?

Preferred but not required; passion for hardware-software integration and business growth is key.

How does compensation work?

Competitive base with bonuses/incentives; global equity philosophy applies.

What makes Canonical's culture unique?

Remote-first, distributed across 75+ countries, with purposeful in-person alignments and focus on open source innovation.