About

About Jonathan Wayne Valentour

Jonathan Wayne Valentour is an Industrial Engineer and Systems Engineer at Ball Aerospace, part of BAE Systems, operating as Space & Mission Systems in Boulder, Colorado. The company focuses on creating technologies and solutions for space missions that serve national security, intelligence, and civilian needs. Duke’s role involves studying the engineering department’s workflow to understand assembly and fabrication operations’ cycle times and process durations.

He leads efforts to optimize processes within Research and Development, Production, and Depot Programs related to Optical Systems. This includes identifying root causes of process failures and developing solutions that ensure sustainable improvements. Duke frequently collaborates with production technicians to facilitate the effective implementation of these changes.

Starting as an intern in 2020, Duke earned a full-time position and was promoted in 2024, following Ball Aerospace’s acquisition by BAE Systems.

Jonathan Wayne Valentour’s Aviation Journey

Jonathan Wayne Valentour’s interest in aviation was sparked early by visits to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, near Dayton, Ohio. Accompanied by his grandfather, Colonel Wayne Basset, he explored the museum’s extensive collection, which includes more than 360 aircraft and missiles, making it the largest military aviation museum globally. These experiences laid the foundation for his passion for flying.

In 2021, while interning at Ball Aerospace, Duke completed his private pilot check ride. He earned his instrument rating in 2023, allowing him to fly under instrument flight rules. Early in 2024, he achieved his commercial pilot license and later earned certification as a Flight Instructor.

Duke also worked as a glider tow pilot at Mile High Gliding based out of Boulder Airport. His endorsements include complex aircraft, high-performance planes, tailwheel operations, and glider towing. With around 800 flight hours, including 250 in tailwheel aircraft and 10 in complex airplanes, Duke has gained varied flying experience. He has served as an instructor at Journeys Aviation and Mile High Gliding, teaching both in-flight and classroom lessons.

Education: Archbishop Alter High School to Ohio State University

Jonathan Wayne Valentour attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, a Catholic private school emphasizing academic and personal development. Duke played baseball and football, with his football teams reaching state playoffs during his sophomore, junior, and senior years.

In 2017, Duke enrolled at Ohio State University in Columbus, earning a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Systems Engineering. While at OSU, he served as Business Development Lead for the Buckeye Space Launch Initiative from 2020 to 2021. He also worked at Ball Packaging, making cans and lids, which led to his awareness of Ball Aerospace and an internship opportunity.

Volunteering with the Young Eagles Program

Jonathan Wayne Valentour volunteers with the Young Eagles program through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The program offers free introductory flights to youth aged 8 to 17 to inspire interest in aviation. Duke provides pre-flight briefings, pilots the flights, and engages in post-flight discussions.

Founded over seventy years ago, the EAA began as a group focused on airplane building and has expanded to promote aviation widely. Duke’s volunteer work allows him to share his passion for flying and continue the encouragement he received from family.

Personal Interests Outside Aviation

Outside his engineering and flying activities, Duke enjoys hiking and skiing. He values the physical challenges and the opportunity to connect with nature that these activities provide.

His outdoor interests complement his aviation career by offering alternative ways to experience the environment. Outside time helps Duke balance his technical work and flight training with personal well-being.