Duke Valentour works as an Industrial and Systems Engineer at Ball Aerospace, a BAE Systems division based in Boulder, Colorado. Now operating under Space & Mission Systems, Ball Aerospace focuses on developing technology solutions for space missions related to national security, intelligence, and civilian efforts. Duke holds a Commercial Pilot License and is a Certified Flight Instructor. His early fascination with aviation was inspired by his grandfather, who influenced his path toward flying. In his position at Ball Aerospace, Duke reviews engineering workflows to measure cycle times and process efficiency in assembly and fabrication operations. He manages projects to improve processes in Research and Development, Production, and Depot Programs centered on Optical Systems. Part of his role involves identifying root causes of production issues and designing solutions to enhance sustainability and quality. Duke collaborates regularly with production technicians to implement these improvements. He began his journey with Ball Aerospace as an intern in 2020 and was hired full-time soon after. In 2024, he received a promotion to his current role. That same year, Ball Aerospace was acquired by BAE Systems and integrated into the Space & Mission Systems group. Jonathan Wayne Valentour’s passion for aviation took shape during his childhood visits to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force near Dayton, Ohio, where he often went with his grandfather, Colonel Wayne Basset. These experiences deepened his interest in military aviation history and flying. While interning at Ball Aerospace in 2021, Jonathan passed his private pilot check ride and earned his instrument rating by the end of 2023. In early 2024, Jonathan pursued his commercial pilot license and earned it later that year, along with his flight instructor certification. He also began working as a tow pilot and flight instructor at Mile High Gliding in Boulder. Duke holds endorsements for complex airplanes, high-performance aircraft, tailwheel operations, and glider towing. He has logged roughly 800 flight hours, including 250 in tailwheel aircraft and 10 in complex airplanes. His professional experience includes flight instruction at Journeys Aviation and tow pilot duties at Mile High Gliding, offering flight and ground instruction. Regarding education, Jonathan attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, where he played baseball and football. His football team qualified for the state playoffs during his sophomore through senior years. In 2017, he enrolled at Ohio State University in Columbus and earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Systems Engineering. Jonathan served as Business Development Lead for the Buckeye Space Launch Initiative during his studies from 2020 to 2021. While at Ohio State, Duke worked at the Ball Packaging facility, where he first learned about Ball Aerospace. His persistence helped him secure an internship with the company, launching his career in aerospace engineering. Jonathan Wayne Valentour volunteers with the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. This program provides free introductory flights to youth aged 8 to 17 to encourage an interest in aviation. Jonathan conducts pre-flight briefings, pilots flights, and leads post-flight question-and-answer sessions. This volunteer work reflects his commitment to sharing his passion for flying, inspired by his grandfather and father. Outside of work and aviation, Duke enjoys hiking and skiing. He values the physical challenge and connection to nature that these activities provide. His love for the outdoors complements his passion for flying, offering him a distinct view of the landscapes he explores from the ground and the sky.