60Duke Valentour is an Industrial Engineer and Systems Engineer at Ball Aerospace, part of BAE Systems, based in Boulder, Colorado. Ball Aerospace, now known as Space & Mission Systems, develops space technologies that support national security, intelligence efforts, and civilian space programs.
Duke holds a Commercial Pilot License and is a Certified Flight Instructor. His enthusiasm for aviation began early, inspired by his grandfather’s influence.
At Ball Aerospace, Duke analyzes engineering workflows to determine cycle times and process efficiencies within assembly and fabrication operations. He leads efforts to improve processes in Research and Development, Production, and Depot Programs focused on Optical Systems. His role includes conducting root cause analyses to identify challenges and implement sustainable solutions. He works closely with production technicians to improve both processes and product quality.
Duke started as an intern at Ball Aerospace in 2020 and earned a full-time position soon after. In 2024, he was promoted to his current engineering role. That same year, Ball Aerospace was acquired by BAE Systems, operating under the Space & Mission Systems division.
Jonathan Wayne Valentour’s passion for flight began during childhood visits to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force near Dayton, Ohio, alongside his grandfather, Colonel Wayne Basset. These visits deepened his interest in aviation history and flying. While interning at Ball Aerospace in 2021, Jonathan passed his private pilot check ride and completed his instrument rating by the end of 2023.
In early 2024, Jonathan pursued his commercial pilot license, which he earned later that year, along with his flight instructor certification. He began working as a tow pilot and flight instructor at Mile High Gliding, a glider towing service at Boulder Airport.
Duke’s licenses include a Commercial Pilot License with an Instrument Rating and Certified Flight Instructor certification. He holds endorsements for complex airplanes, high-performance aircraft, tailwheel operations, and glider towing. He has accumulated roughly 800 flight hours, including 250 hours in tailwheel aircraft and 10 hours in complex airplanes. His experience includes flight instruction at Journeys Aviation and tow pilot duties at Mile High Gliding, providing training both in the air and on the ground.
Jonathan attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, where he played baseball and football. His football team reached the state playoffs during his sophomore, junior, and senior years. In 2017, he enrolled at Ohio State University in Columbus and earned a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Systems Engineering. While at OSU, Jonathan held the role of Business Development Lead for the Buckeye Space Launch Initiative from 2020 to 2021.
Duke worked at the Ball Packaging facility during college, where he first learned about Ball Aerospace. His determination helped him secure an internship at the company, setting the stage for his aerospace career.
Jonathan Wayne Valentour volunteers with the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles program. This initiative offers free introductory flights to young people aged 8 to 17 to encourage aviation interest. Jonathan leads pre-flight briefings, conducts flights, and hosts question-and-answer sessions afterward. This work reflects his desire to pass on the passion for flying that his grandfather and father fostered in him.
Outside of his professional and flying activities, Duke enjoys hiking and skiing. He values the physical challenge and connection with nature that these pursuits offer. His appreciation for the outdoors complements his love of flying, giving him a unique perspective on the landscapes he explores both on the ground and from the sky.