PLACERVILLE, Calif. (INEDC) — El Dorado High School graduate Chris Volek is playing a pivotal role in NASA’s Artemis program through his work as a Design and Analysis Engineer at Boeing. Volek’s journey from a high school student excelling in mathematics and athletics to contributing to humanity’s return to the Moon exemplifies dedication and passion for aerospace engineering.
From Local Roots to Aerospace Engineering
During his tenure at El Dorado High School, Volek was profoundly influenced by his mathematics teachers, including Mr. Angelo, Mr. Round, and Mr. Orris. Their mentorship fostered a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, which Volek now applies in his engineering career. His enthusiasm for problem-solving was further ignited by participating in El Dorado’s Math Steeplechase team, competing against local high schools.
Volek’s commitment to academics and extracurricular activities led to his acceptance into Cal Poly’s Honors Calculus Program. Reflecting on a transformative experience, he shared, “The most pivotal moment that propelled me toward aerospace engineering was witnessing Elon Musk’s SpaceX first Falcon 9 launch and landing on the West Coast at Vandenberg Space Force Base. I drove an hour south of San Luis Obispo during my freshman year of college to see it, and the experience was awe-inspiring—both technologically and visually. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to devote my time and energy to advancing space-based engineering projects.”
After graduating cum laude in 2022, Volek joined Boeing, where he contributes to the Space Launch System (SLS), the rocket powering NASA’s Artemis missions.
Contributing to NASA’s Artemis Missions
As a member of Boeing’s Hardware Software Integration team, Volek specializes in Flight Controls for the SLS core stage. He described witnessing the Artemis I launch from Kennedy Space Center as a career highlight: “It was a surreal moment—watching years of engineering and dedication come to life.”
Volek also had the opportunity to tour Boeing’s Michoud Assembly Facility, where the rocket’s core stage is constructed. “Standing inside the engine section, I was in awe of the scale and complexity of the project,” he shared.
Looking Ahead
Volek aims to be part of the Artemis II launch team, a mission set to send astronauts around the Moon. Originally scheduled for September 2025, NASA has announced that Artemis II is now slated for April 2026, allowing more time to prepare the Orion capsule for its first crewed flight.
To students aspiring to STEM careers, Volek advises: “Embrace failure—it’s an opportunity to grow. Explore different fields, stay curious, and find what excites you.” He encourages involvement in STEM clubs, extracurriculars, and self-directed learning. “Your passion might not be obvious at first, but if you keep searching, you’ll find what drives you.”
The El Dorado Union High School District expressed pride in Volek’s achievements, stating, “We are proud of both our children who graduated from El Dorado High School. We are extremely grateful for all their teachers from kindergarten through high school. Not only are they successful in their professional lives but they are kind, compassionate, and loving humans.”
Volek’s journey from a local high school student to a contributor to NASA’s lunar missions serves as an inspiration, demonstrating how dedication and passion can lead to extraordinary opportunities in space exploration.
