Jonathan Contreras

PE, MSMME

Director of Engineering and Laboratory Services

Biography

Jonathan Contreras is a metallurgical and materials engineer specializing in failure analysis and forensic engineering investigations involving structures, components, and devices. He is a valued member of the Engineering team at YA Group, where he supports complex loss investigations involving fires, explosions, and equipment failures.

Jonathan brings a strong background in accredited third‑party laboratory testing and OEM failure analysis, experience that uniquely positions him to support large and technically challenging investigations. His expertise includes fractographic examination, corrosion assessment, mechanical behavior of materials, microstructural evaluation, and materials characterization.

Earlier in his career, Jonathan provided technical analysis and litigation support to law firms, insurance carriers, and industrial clients. His work included evaluating losses related to personal injury, product safety and liability, fire investigation, electrical arc analysis, and hot‑particle ignition associated with wildland fires. His ability to translate highly technical findings into clear, actionable conclusions has made him a trusted resource across multiple industries.

Credentials

PE | Professional Engineer
MSMME

Representative Consulting Assignments

Arcing of High-kV Electrical Conductors | Wildland Fires | Metallurgical characterization, hot-particle modeling and litigation support for state agencies conducting cost-recovery investigations.
Dry Cargo & Tanker Vessels | Explosions | Metallurgical characterization and analysis of components involved in fuel oil leaks and explosions in engine rooms.
Fractional Horsepower Motors | Fires | Metallurgical characterization and litigation support for subrogation losses involving fractional horsepower motors in bathroom and ceiling exhaust fans.

Professional Experience

2026 - Current | Director of Engineering and Laboratory Services | YA Group
2022 - 2025 | Senior Metallurgical + Materials Engineer | Jensen Hughes
2022 - 2022 | Senior Metallurgical Engineer | Anamet (A division of Acuren Inspection, Inc.)
2016 - 2022 | Senior Metallurgical Engineer | RTI Laboratories
2014 - 2016 | Metallurgical Engineer/Failure Analysist | The Babcock & Wilcox Company
2011 - 2014 | Metallurgical Engineer/Failure Analysis/Asst. Manager | Colorado Metallurgical Services

Area of Practice

Construction Defect Reviews
Damage Assessment
Non-Destructive Testing
Heavy Trucking
Marine Structures

Publications and Presentations

Lewis, K., Carlos Contreras, J., Ensminger, E. et al. “Experimental Determination of Temperatures Achieved by Hot , Particles Produced from Electrical Arcing”. Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, 25, 1181–1192 (2025).
Contreras, J.C.; Natividad, S. L.; Stafford, S. W. “Failure Analysis Case Study on a Fractured Tailwheel Fork," , Journal of Failure Analysis and Prevention, ASM International, 2011, DOI 10.1007/sl 1668-011-9466-8.
Contreras, J.C. Experimental Determination of Temperatures Achieved by Hot Particles Produced from , Electrical Arcing. International Materials, Application & Technologies Conference and Exposition – IMAT , 2024, Cleveland, OH, October 3, 2024.
Contreras, J.C., Way, P.T. Metallurgical Matters: The Debate Over Hot Particles and Their Projectiles. The , National Wildland Fire Conference, Monterey, CA, April 2024

Education

The University of Texas at El Paso - Master of Science - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering - El Paso - Texas
The University of Texas at El Paso - Bachelor of Science - Metallurgical and Materials Engineering - El Paso - Texas