A Printpack Associate Spotlight Series
Meet Raj Guntupalli : Senior Engineer II, Atlanta, GA
We are celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month here at Printpack, and today we feature Raj Guntupalli, a Senior Research Engineer II in Atlanta.
Originally from India, Raj moved to the US in 2001. In June 2020, he joined Printpack, leading new-to industry or new-to Printpack projects and actively searching for emerging technologies that can be used in the flexible packaging industry. He assesses these technologies based on their scientific feasibility, potential for large-scale manufacturing, and commercial viability. Additionally, Raj provides expertise in Intellectual Property matters.
Let’s learn more about Raj’s background and career journey in his own words.
Can you share a memory that represents your culture?
One memory that represents Indian culture for me is celebrating Diwali with my family. We would decorate the house with diyas, colorful rangolis, and lights and prepare traditional sweets and savory snacks. We would then light fireworks and exchange gifts with each other, spreading joy and happiness. The sense of togetherness and the warmth of the festivities always stayed with me, making Diwali a cherished part of my cultural identity.
What do you appreciate most about living in the US?
I am thankful for the opportunities and freedom this country has afforded me. The US is a diverse country with various cultures, climates, and ways of thinking. This diversity has made the US the greatest country in the world.
Why did you choose to work at Printpack?
Printpack is known in the industry for its high moral and ethical principles, which motivated me to explore opportunities here. My educational and professional experience and skill set are aligned with the research engineer role. More importantly, the exceptional individuals I encountered during the interview process further solidified my interest in joining Printpack.
How has this experience added to your skills so far?
The experience of leading new projects in the flexible packaging industry, specifically those that are new to the industry or new to Printpack, enhances my project management abilities. I can effectively guide and oversee initiatives from inception to completion. Additionally, actively searching for emerging technologies demonstrates my proactive approach to innovation and my ability to identify opportunities for advancement within the industry. Assessing these technologies for scientific feasibility, manufacturing scalability, and commercial viability requires my analytical skills and strategic thinking. Overall, this experience broadens my skill set and equips me with valuable expertise to drive growth and innovation for Printpack.
What do you like most about your role at Printpack?
I love my role as a research engineer as it involves several interesting and challenging aspects. Leading new projects and exploring emerging technologies contribute to a dynamic and innovative work environment which allows me to stay at the forefront and make valuable contributions to the organization’s growth and success.
Would you recommend Printpack to other professionals?
Certainly, I highly recommend Printpack to fellow professionals. The leadership at Printpack demonstrates a genuine concern for their associates, and the company’s established track record of commercial success and innovative products further supports this recommendation.
What kind of advice would you give to candidates?
Demonstrate self-awareness, value and appreciate your colleagues, and maintain a mindset of continuous learning and adaptability.
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About Printpack
Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Printpack is a privately-held flexible and specialty rigid packaging manufacturer. Employing over 3,200 associates worldwide, the company operates 19 manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico. With investments in leading-edge technologies and a deep understanding of customer needs, Printpack has partnered with the most successful CPGs to launch new products and grow market share. Printpack’s purpose, Preserving and Enhancing People’s Lives, is continually demonstrated by the commitment to sustainable products, active involvement in the local communities, and the empowerment of all associates. To read more about life at Printpack and our open positions, click here.
