John Imperatore

M.S.E., P.E.

Senior Managing Engineer

Biography

John Imperatore III is a Mechanical Engineer with over 40 years of progressive technical experience.

John is a valued member of the YA Group team, where he focuses on root cause analysis, damage scope, and loss value assessments. He provides forensic mechanical engineering and consulting services across residential, commercial, and industrial settings, including HVAC systems, chillers, boilers, plumbing, fire and explosion investigations, energy management, large loss evaluations, injury analysis, and product liability cases.

John’s career began with a decade of hands-on experience as a machinery and engine mechanic, industrial leak repair technician, HVAC/refrigeration mechanic, standby/emergency generator technician, and boiler operating engineer. He then spent 20 years in facilities management at four major institutions, including serving as Facility Director for a large university in the greater Philadelphia area. In that role, he oversaw operations, maintenance, and resource management, specializing in energy management, combined heat and power (CHP) plant operations, recycling and solid waste management, and carbon footprint analysis for a cogeneration plant.

John holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Drexel University and a Master of Science in Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering from Rowan University. He maintains a Class A Boiler Operator’s License in the City of Philadelphia and professional engineering licenses in 14 states. Additionally, he is a Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI) and a Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI).

Credentials

  • M.S.E.
  • P.E.
  • Certified Fire and Explosion Investigator (CFEI)
  • Certified Vehicle Fire Investigator (CVFI)
  • Boiler Operating Engineer- City of Philadelphia, PA
  • Arbitration Experience Mediation Experience

Professional Experience

  • 2026 - Current | Senior Managing Engineer | YA Group
  • 2020 - 2025 | Senior Mechanical Engineer | The Vertex Companies, LLC
  • 2009 - 2020 | Consulting Engineer | ngineering Design & Testing Corp.
  • 2000 - 2009 | Director of Facilities | Rowan University
  • 1998 - 2000 | Regional Engineer for the Mid-Atlantic Region | Lord & Taylor
  • 1994 - 1998 | Assistant Director of Maintenance | Rutgers University
  • 1984 - 1994 | Manager of Building Systems | Drexel University
  • 1981 - 1984 | Technician | Leak Repairs, Inc.
  • 1980 - 1980 | Mechanic | Ormsby’s Lawn Equipment
  • 1979 - 1980 | Maintenance Mechanic | Wall and Ochs Optical Corporation

Education

  • Rowan University - Master of Science - Engineering - Glassboro - New Jersey
  • Drexel University - Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering - Philadelphia - Pennsylvania
  • Camden County College - Associate of Science - Engineering Science - Blackwood - New Jersey
  • Camden County College - Associate of Applied Science - Mechanical Engineering Technology - Blackwood - New Jersey

Affiliations

  • Alpha Epsilon Lambda – Upsilon Honors Chapter at Rowan University
  • Honors Chapter at Rowan University
  • American Society of Heating
  • Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers
  • ASM (American Society for Metals) International
  • Cross Keys Honors Fraternity – Drexel University Chapter
  • International Association of Arson Investigators
  • National Academy of Forensic Engineer
  • National Association of Fire Investigators
  • National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying (NCEES)
  • National Fire Protection Association
  • National Society of Professional Engineers