Life at Penguin

As an interprocess communication (IPC) logistics executive at Penguin Solutions, Jason has worn many hats—from leading the receiving team to motivating and mentoring colleagues to driving continuous improvement through LEAN initiatives.

“I believe leadership is about helping others succeed, not just getting the job done,” he reflected. “It’s about thinking bigger and how we can improve our ecosystem, reduce waste, and inspire people to do more than they thought possible.”

During his six years with Penguin Solutions, Jason has worked to expand his knowledge and skills. Through the company’s Udemy learning initiative, he explored investment strategies and business acumen, two topics that he had long wanted to understand better. “Penguin didn’t just hand us access to courses, they handed us opportunity. That says a lot about their values.”

More than anything else, Jason values the culture at Penguin Solutions. “The way we live ESG [environmental, social, and governance] values. The belief that every role, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to something bigger,” he noted. “We don’t just talk sustainability. We live it, create it, and celebrate it.”

Max Marinovich is a product quality engineer at Penguin Solutions, where he plays a critical role ensuring product reliability during production and in the field. From integrating new tools and equipment to creating unique mechanical solutions, Max is a hands-on problem solver who is dedicated to quality and innovation.

“Every issue we catch and solve before it reaches the customer makes a difference,” Max affirmed. “It’s not just about fixing a problem. It’s about building trust and pushing technology forward.”

“So much of what we do is custom-built for the customer,” he explained. “It challenges us to think differently and explore cutting-edge technologies like direct-to-chip liquid cooling and oil immersion systems. Progress is in our DNA.”

Coming to Penguin Solutions as an entry-level engineer and former bartender, Max found more than just a new job: he landed in an environment that empowered him from day one. “I was trusted with meaningful work immediately and that helped me learn fast,” he said. “Between the mentorship program and the access to online learning, I’ve grown more than I could’ve imagined in such a short time.”

For Max, it’s the people at Penguin Solutions that truly make the difference. “The culture here is amazing. You walk in and people are genuinely happy to be here. That energy is contagious.”

As an engineering intern in Advanced Product Engineering, Vera Boukhonine spent eight months on the cutting edge of Compute Express Link (CXL) technology, where she got firsthand experience across a number of subject areas. “I’ve had the opportunity to wear many hats. From hardware and firmware testing to learning how to procure equipment and interact with vendors, it’s been such a rich learning experience.”

Penguin Solutions gave Vera an open door into an industry that can be tough for women to enter. "As a young woman in tech, I’m so grateful for the support and opportunity. I’ve been encouraged to explore, learn, and contribute in ways I never imagined.”

For Vera, one aspect of Penguin Solutions made all the difference. “It’s the collaborative environment. People are genuinely willing to help each other learn. In a field known for its fast pace and high expectations, this kind of support and collaboration is truly empowering and accelerates growth.”

As a surface mount technology (SMT) machine operator at Penguin Solutions, Thanh-Lan Vu has dedicated 26 years to ensuring that everything runs smoothly on the production line. “I get the job from the stockroom, follow the schedule, verify the parts, set up the job, and then run the machine,” Thanh-Lan explains. “It’s a simple, steady process but it keeps everything on track.”

Over the years, Thanh-Lan has steadily expanded her knowledge and capabilities. “It makes me feel proud to know that I can confidently handle any machine on the line,” she says. “Penguin has given me the opportunity to learn new machines and grow professionally. Now I feel confident working with any of the line machines.”

She also appreciates the fact that “Penguin really cares about its employees. Once, when I reported an issue to my manager, the maintenance department immediately responded and made adjustments to the equipment to ensure everything was working properly. That kind of care makes a huge difference.”

Above all, Thanh-Lan appreciates the Penguin Solutions work culture. She values the flexible time, friendly coworkers, and supportive Human Resources team. “The flexibility and the people here are what I love most,” she says. “Everyone is helpful and it makes the job a lot easier and enjoyable.”

With over 30 years at Penguin Solutions, Gopal Kyada has worked his way up from humble beginnings in the stockroom to a leadership role as distribution manager, where he oversees distribution and logistics.

Gopal’s journey into leadership wasn’t linear. In the early days, he struggled with the idea of managing people. Mentorship helped him become more comfortable with his potential as a leader. "Early on, I wasn’t sure if I was cut out for leadership. But my mentors pushed me to step up,” he explained.

In Gopal’s view, “excellence isn’t just about delivering results. It’s about creating an environment where my team can thrive and be their best selves,” he said. “My role isn’t just about managing logistics; it’s about ensuring my team has what they need to succeed and grow.”

“I’ve always believed that success comes from constant improvement, both in processes and in people,” he continued. “There’s always something new to learn, whether it’s in logistics, technology, or leadership. Penguin Solutions has given me the freedom to grow and explore different aspects of the business and that’s what excites me every day.”

Stewart Wang has been at the forefront of technical innovation at Penguin Solutions for more than seven years. His work in Advanced Products Applications and Systems Engineering focuses supporting customers with leading-edge technologies such as non-volatile dual in-line memory modules (NVDIMMs) and Compute Express Link (CXL), two memory solutions that are transforming the world of data infrastructure.

“My role is all about helping customers adopt these complex technologies,” he explained. “From initial engagement to full-scale deployment, we’re there every step of the way.”

Stewart’s journey has been shaped not only by technology but also by leadership that aims to empower. “My manager gives us the tools we need but also the space, the mindset to grow and succeed. That trust goes a long way.”

“When people support each other, it creates this family-like, caring culture,” he reflected. “That energy from both seasoned contributors and fresh minds makes the team feel both mature and young at the same time. It pushes us forward.” Stewart sees this open culture is a clear asset. “There’s freedom to express yourself and that leads to creativity. You’re not boxed in.”

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For nearly five years, Sophorn Suy has been a dedicated production supervisor at Penguin Solutions. With a strong work ethic and fierce attention to detail, she helps keep the production floor running smoothly every day. “It’s a busy role,” she noted, “but every piece contributes to delivering quality work on time.”

While at Penguin, Sophorn has grown personally and professionally. “I’ve learned so much from working across departments. HR [Human Resources] has been a great example of fairness and support, and collaborating with teams like the Burn Room has shown me the power of strong teamwork.”

Sophorn also takes pride in supporting the growth of her team. She trains team members in ETQ electronic quality management processes so that everyone understands and implements the systems that are necessary quality and compliance. This emphasis on training and consistent application of key systems has helped strengthen the performance of her team and process reliability across the board.

She sees her teammates as a source of continual inspiration. “Many of the people I work with are incredibly hardworking and supportive. That creates a positive environment where we all push each other to succeed.”

Shasikumar is a product and software development manager in Test Engineering at Penguin Solutions. During his 16 years with the company, he has grown from a technical contributor into a respected leader. “It’s my role to ensure the team has the tools, motivation, and clarity to succeed,” he shared. “But more than that, it’s about helping them become better engineers and better people.”

Shasikumar’s path to leadership was somewhat unexpected. As an introvert, he once doubted that he had any potential for managing people. But his boss gave him the opportunity, encouragement, and mentorship that he needed to rethink this view. “He told me, ‘Handling testers and code is one thing. Handling people is a different game.’ And he gave me the space to learn that game. I’m still learning it every day.” Today, Shasikumar sees his role as not just an engineer and manager but an enabler of potential.

What makes Penguin Solutions stand out for Shasikumar is the flexibility he has, not just in terms of working hours but in the opportunity to learn continuously and contribute across different subject areas. “There are no rigid silos here,” he noted. “You can grow in unexpected directions.”