Sir Charles Algernon Parsons (June 13, 1854 – February 11, 1931) was a British engineer, best known for his invention of the steam turbine.
He was a younger son of the famous astronomer Lord Rosse, and was educated at Trinity College, Dublin and St. John's College, Cambridge. He worked as an engineer on dynamo and turbine design, and power generation, with great influence on the naval and electrical engineering fields. He also developed optical equipment, for searchlights and telescopes.
He established an eponymous company in Newcastle Upon Tyne.
He was knighted in 1911, and made a member of the Order of Merit in 1927.
He won the Rumford Medal in 1902.