Technical Development Manager

Technical Development Manager

Saber Power Services, a portfolio company of Greenbelt Capital Partners, is a fully integrated electrical power system services firm providing end-to-end solutions across utility, renewables and battery storage, industrial, petrochemical, and other markets. Based in Houston, Texas, Saber Power offers deep subject matter expertise and uses an engineering-led approach to designing, installing, testing, and maintaining medium and high-voltage electrical infrastructure. Saber serves clients locally, nationally, and abroad.

Position Summary: 

The Technical Development Manager will serve as a strategic and technical leader within Saber Power Services, working closely with the Operations group to ensure that Saber’s technical staff are trained and able to execute the backlog of secured MSA contracts and projects. This role combines deep expertise in protection & control, SCADA/PMU integration, commissioning, and NETA-based acceptance and maintenance testing with strong organizational leadership to build, train, and sustain Saber’s technical workforce.

The Manager will drive standardization, training, and mentorship initiatives across field services teams. This role ensures Saber not only secures work but consistently delivers safe, compliant, and high-quality results aligned with NETA ATS (Acceptance Testing Specifications) and NETA MTS (Maintenance Testing Specifications), supported by robust and continuously improving Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Operational Alignment

• Partner with Operations and recruiting to assess workforce capability against upcoming project demands. 
• Develop and implement strategies to close skill gaps in commissioning, acceptance testing, and maintenance testing. 
• Align sales, operations, and technical execution to ensure deliverability of MSA contracts and service agreements. 
• Support development of service offerings around predictive, preventive, and condition-based maintenance programs. 
• Establish a framework for standardization of field execution through SOP development and governance. 
• Build annual budgets for the technical development training needs
• Ownership and P&L Management of the training department
• Ownership and Management of the reports department
• Leader and owner of PowerDb system updates and organization
• Other tasks as assigned by management

Technical Leadership

• Provide subject matter expertise in: 
  • Protection & Control systems (relays, schemes, coordination) 
  • SCADA, RTUs, and communications systems 
  • Power apparatus testing and diagnostics 
• Oversee and standardize NETA-compliant testing practices, including: 
  • Acceptance Testing (ATS) for new installations and capital projects 
  • Maintenance Testing (MTS) for existing assets and service contracts 
• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for: 
  • Commissioning and energization 
  • Acceptance and maintenance testing (NETA ATS/MTS aligned) 
  • Functional and end-to-end system testing 
  • Event analysis and disturbance investigation 
  • Root cause failure analysis 
• Ensure SOPs are: 
  • Technically accurate and aligned with NETA, IEEE, and OEM requirements 
  • Standardized across projects and regions 
  • Regularly reviewed and updated based on lessons learned, field feedback, and evolving standards 

NETA Field Services Oversight

• Develop, implement, and maintain SOP-driven, NETA-aligned testing programs for: 

Substation & Power Equipment Testing

• Power transformers (DGA interpretation, insulation testing, TTR, winding resistance) 
• Circuit breakers (timing, contact resistance, insulation resistance, dynamic testing) 
• Switchgear and motor control centers 
• Instrument transformers (CT/PT testing) 
• Bus systems and grounding systems 

Cable Systems

• Medium- and high-voltage cable testing (VLF, hipot, tan delta, partial discharge) 
• Cable diagnostics and fault location 

Protective Relaying & Control Systems

• Relay testing (acceptance and maintenance) 
• End-to-end protection scheme testing 
• Logic verification and functional testing 
• Trip circuit validation 

SCADA / Automation / Communications

• RTU configuration and checkout 
• SCADA point-to-point verification 
• Communications validation 
• PMU data validation 

Rotating Equipment

• Generator and motor testing 

Battery & DC Systems

• Battery testing and charger verification 
• DC system integrity checks 
• Ensure all testing activities are: 
  • Executed in accordance with approved SOPs 
  • Properly documented and traceable 
  • Consistent across field teams and projects 

Workforce Development

• Establish a structured Technical Training Program aligned with NETA standards and internal SOPs: DOL Apprenticeship program, rotation program, or other beneficial programs as required. 

Basic Training Track

• Electrical safety (NFPA 70E, OSHA) 
• Fundamentals of power systems 
• Introduction to NETA ATS/MTS procedures 
• Core SOPs for field testing and commissioning 

Advanced Training Track

• Advanced protection schemes and system testing 
• SCADA/PMU integration 
• Advanced diagnostics and troubleshooting 
• Interpretation and application of SOPs in complex field scenarios 
• Develop training tied directly to SOP adoption and competency validation. 
• Implement internal certification pathways aligned with: 
  • NETA certification levels (or equivalent) 
  • SOP qualification and task-based competency 
• Mentor staff and reinforce a culture of procedural discipline and continuous improvement. 

 Client Relationship Management

• Leverage and expand relationships with key clients through technical leadership and problem solving. 
• Support proposals and scopes including but not limited to: 
  • Acceptance testing 
  • Maintenance testing and maintenance programs 
  • Commissioning services 
  • Transformer services
• Communicate Saber’s standardized, SOP-driven approach as a key differentiator. 
• Serve as a trusted advisor on: 
  • Asset lifecycle management 
  • Reliability strategies 
  • Compliance with NETA and industry standards 
  • Common accepted practices
  • Alignment with standards and Sabers common practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or equivalent experience. 
• 10+ years of experience in power systems, commissioning, or field services. 
• Strong working knowledge of NETA ATS and MTS standards. 
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing technical SOPs or standards. 
• Experience with substation equipment testing and diagnostics. 
• Familiarity with SEL, Siemens, ABB, GE platforms. 
• Strong leadership and communication skills. 
• Willingness to travel. 

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Successful development and rollout of SOP library for field services and commissioning. 
• Adoption rate and compliance with SOPs across field teams. 
• Measured retention rate and compliance with training requirements
• Reduction in rework, testing errors, and field inconsistencies. 
• Increased internal capability for acceptance and maintenance testing. 
• Reduced reliance on subcontractors. 
• Improved training outcomes tied to SOP competency. 
• Positive client feedback related to execution quality and consistency.

Safety is a Core Value with our organization. We work SAFELY or not at all.

Benefits:

We offer an excellent benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial future. Our Total Rewards Plan includes a choice of two comprehensive medical plans, dental and vision coverage, and company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance. We also provide company-paid basic life insurance for employees and their dependents. Additional benefits include a 401(k) plan with company matching, flexible spending accounts (FSAs), and more. Beyond our benefits, we pride ourselves on fostering an outstanding work environment where employees feel valued and supported. Learn more about our Total Rewards Plan here.

Saber Power Services is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.