Robert Napier (June 21, 1791 - June 23, 1876) was a Scottish engineer. He was born at the height of the Industrial Revolution into a family of esteemed bell-wrights, blacksmiths, and engineers. He apprenticed with his father for five years, after which time he moved to Edinburgh. In 1823 he won a contract to build a steam engine for the paddle steamer Leven. The engine was so good that it was later fitted to another ship, the paddle steamer Queen of Beauty. In 1827, he built the engines of both of the two fastest ships to compete in the Northern Yacht Club's August Regatta: the paddle steamers Clarence and Helensburgh. He continued building steamship engines, eventually expanding into steam engines for ocean-going vessels. His largest success came from his business deals with Samuel Cunard. They he co-founded the British and North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company. In 1841 he expanded his company to include an iron shipbuilding. He procured a contract with the Royal Navy to produce vessels, notably the Jackal, the Lizard, and the Bloodhound, which became the first iron vessels in the Royal Navy. In 1875 his wife of 57 years, Isabella, died. Shortly afterwards, he fell seriously ill, and died the next year, in 1876 at the age of 85.