Rob Steinle is the FAA’s Chief Scientist and Technical Advisor (CSTA) for High Energy Electromagnetic Effects. With more than 30 years of experience in electrical engineering, Rob has applied his expertise as a Lightning, HIRF, and P-Static subject matter expert across commercial and military aircraft. His work spans Boeing 777 models, as well as platforms including the C-17, F-22, Air Force One, MH-139 Helicopter, and CST-100 Starliner. 

Rob has held leadership roles at the International Conference on Lightning and Static Electricity (ICOLSE)—session chair (2001, 2005, and 2017), technical chair (2013), and panel member (2001)— and was a contributing author on a paper presented at the 2006 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Aviation Technology, Integration and Operations (ATIO) Conference. He is currently supporting the Next Generation Radio Altimeter Means of Compliance update with RTCA SC-239, including the establishment of a supporting research project, to ensure system compatibility with 5G and higher-frequency radio bands, as well as related HIRF and Lightning updates.

Prior to joining the FAA, Rob worked for more than 30 years at The Boeing Company, recognized as an expert in lightning protection of composite structure, electronics, and systems. At Boeing, He was responsible for direct effects lightning protection design and testing for all divisions, as well as lab safety, scheduling, test planning, test integration, equipment procurement, coupon and part testing, test analysis, test documentation, and report publication. He oversaw the design and build of the Boeing Lightning Lab, EMC/EMI/HIRF Lab, and Antenna Lab in the IASL.

Rob is a Standards Committee Member of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) AE-2 Lightning and a Boeing Technical Fellow for Electromagnetic Effects. He earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado, Boulder.