Employee Spotlight: Kywel K. Soe

Kywel K. Soe | Lead Quality Control Inspector | Joined Penumbra in 2014 | Livermore, CA

Q. What is your current role at Penumbra?

As the Lead Quality Control Inspector, I am responsible for ensuring that all incoming materials meet established quality and regulatory requirements prior to release into production. This includes reviewing inspection results, identifying and documenting nonconformances, and driving timely resolution to maintain compliance and product integrity.

In addition, I support team performance by promoting both quality and productivity, while providing guidance and oversight to the IQC team. I collaborate closely with cross-functional partners, including Receiving and Stockroom, Quality Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, R&D Engineering, Production, Purchasing, IT, and Equipment teams, to resolve issues, align expectations, and ensure a smooth and compliant material flow.

Q. What aspects of your job do you enjoy most?

The part of my job I enjoy most is reading patient stories and seeing how our products help people recover. It makes me feel proud to be part of a company that creates technology that truly improves patients’ quality of life. Knowing that the work I do contributes to someone’s healing gives my job real meaning. I also enjoy hearing about new product advancements and how they continue to support faster, better recovery for patients.

Q. What drew you to Penumbra?

I was drawn to Penumbra because it offered the opportunity to have a meaningful career while supporting my family and contributing to work that makes a real impact. After moving to the United States, I continued my education to build better opportunities for myself, even though I already held a law degree in my home country, Myanmar. While pursuing accounting, I realized I needed to transition into a full-time role to support my parents back home.

I first learned about Penumbra through my husband, and after researching the company, I was inspired by its mission. Knowing that Penumbra develops innovative medical devices and helps patients recover from serious conditions motivated me to become part of something larger than myself. I was looking for a role where I could grow professionally, support my family, and contribute to meaningful work and Penumbra provided that opportunity.

Q. If you did not pursue your current career, what do you see yourself doing professionally?

If I had not pursued my current job, I would have continued my education and completed my accounting degree here in the United States. Even though I graduated with a law degree in my home country, I chose to study accounting after moving to the U.S. because I wasn’t confident in my English at the time and felt nervous about communicating with others. Accounting felt like a practical and stable path where I could build a strong career while improving my language skills. Over time, I became more confident, but that experience taught me resilience and the importance of adapting to new challenges.

Q. Describe yourself at age 10. What career aspirations did you have at that age?

When I was 10 years old, I dreamed of becoming a detective or a special agent. I loved watching action and adventure movies, and I was fascinated by characters who investigated mysteries and uncovered the truth. I imagined myself solving cases, paying attention to details, and helping people by finding answers. That curiosity and interest in problem-solving stayed with me as I grew up.

Q. What is your personal philosophy?

My personal philosophy is rooted in what my parents taught me when I was young: be confident, try your best in everything you do, and trust that your effort will shape your future. They always reminded me that even if we don’t succeed every time, hard work and a positive mindset will guide us toward a better life. I also believe strongly in the law of attraction, the idea that the energy and thoughts we put out into the world come back to us. Because of that, I focus on staying positive, avoiding negative thinking, and attracting good opportunities by keeping a hopeful and determined mindset.