Celebrating Black Aerospace Engineers: Miles Robinson ‘17

black history month

In celebration of Black History Month, the Department of Aerospace Engineering is highlighting some of our talented and diverse alumni through a series of stories sharing their journeys and advice for aspiring aerospace engineers.

Aerospace engineering alum Miles Robinson ‘17 is a Propulsion Engineer at Boeing in Ridley Park, Penn. He started his professional career at Boeing Commercial Airplanes in Seattle, Washington after graduating from the University of Maryland (UMD). He is currently the lead engineer for the Propulsion Control System on the NASA/Boeing X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator program.

Miles also earned his M.S. in Systems Architecting & Engineering from the University of Southern California. Outside of work, he enjoys playing basketball, snowboarding, and he is working towards his private pilot certificate.

Where/How did you get started on your Aerospace Engineering journey?

I got my first real taste of engineering when I was afforded the opportunity to intern as a research assistant in the University of Maryland Combustion Laboratory during my senior year of high school. While I've always been fascinated by airplanes, my Aerospace Engineering journey didn't truly begin until arriving on campus in the Fall of 2013. I didn't know what I was getting myself into back then, but I'm grateful for every second of it.

Who/What inspires you?

I'm inspired by positively impacting other people. The late Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

Whether it's mentoring a recent college graduate or doing something kind for a total stranger, knowing that every day I have an opportunity to make a lasting impact on someone else's life motivates me beyond measure.

What has helped you succeed in your Aerospace Engineering journey?

So much of a successful and fulfilling career–and life–comes from discovering yourself and understanding your own likes and dislikes. Try as many new things as you can and pay careful attention to what brings you energy and what sucks it away.

Alumnus Miles Robinson '17

First and foremost, I wouldn't be who I am today without my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but my support system has also been instrumental in my success.

I am indebted to those who have poured into me along my journey—from my study group back in undergrad, to my Boeing teammates and mentors today—and my family and friends who have been beside me every step of the way.

What advice would you offer current students?

So much of a successful and fulfilling career–and life–comes from discovering yourself and understanding your own likes and dislikes.

Try as many new things as you can and pay careful attention to what brings you energy and what sucks it away.

That could mean starting a new student-led organization on campus around an idea that you're passionate about. Or taking that elective course you're interested in that might not be an easy "A."

Whatever it is, do it!

What have been some of your greatest personal/professional successes?

One of my most memorable accomplishments has been being awarded a United States Patent for ideating a concept to actuate a chine structure on an engine nacelle.

This concept has the potential to increase aerodynamic efficiency and could enable airplanes to take off and land at lower thrust settings, significantly reducing noise levels near airports.

Published February 13, 2024