Our Mission
GripKey’s mission is to provide reliable, project-based CAD drafting and documentation support that helps project teams execute complex installations, modifications, and sustainment work with confidence.
We focus on delivering accurate, build-ready drawings and as-built documentation based on client-provided designs, specifications, and field information. Our work supports compliance, reduces rework, and integrates cleanly into client workflows—allowing licensed engineers and internal teams to remain focused on engineering, installation, and program execution.
Our Services
GripKey provides project-based CAD drafting and documentation services that support installation, modification, and sustainment work for complex systems. As a registered small business contractor, we support government and commercial projects by delivering accurate, build-ready drawings and as-built documentation based on client-provided designs, specifications, and field information.
CAD Drafting & Production Drawings
Service Overview:
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Produce accurate 2D CAD drawings and 3D models based on client-provided designs and specifications
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Support fabrication, installation, and production workflows
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Apply consistent drafting standards to ensure clarity and usability
Documentation Cleanup & Standardization
Service Overview:
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Convert legacy drawings, scanned files, and mixed-format documentation into clean CAD files
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Standardize layers, symbols, and formatting
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Improve drawing clarity and consistency across project deliverables
As-Built & Post-Installation Documentation
Service Overview:
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Develop as-built drawings reflecting field conditions and installed configurations
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Incorporate redlines, markups, and installation updates
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Support compliance, audits, sustainment, and lifecycle documentation needs
Overflow & Project-Based Drafting Support
Service Overview:
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Provide additional drafting capacity during peak project phases
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Support short-term or defined scopes without adding headcount
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Integrate into existing project workflows and documentation standards
Prior Work
GripKey has consistently demonstrated excellence through its successful execution of large-scale capital projects for a diverse range of key customers across various industries. Leveraging our state-of-the-art, high-precision machinery, we deliver unparalleled accuracy and quality in every endeavor. Our ability to operate within tight timelines ensures that clients receive their projects promptly without sacrificing standards. Whether undertaking complex manufacturing initiatives or expansive infrastructure developments, GripKey’s commitment to precision, efficiency, and reliability makes us a trusted partner for ambitious and demanding projects.
Disney Magic Carpet
GripKey collaborated with Tait Towers & Disney to enhance the Fantasmic show by engineering a dynamic flying carpet mechanism. The carpet was designed to ascend up to 30 feet into the air, enveloped in a controlled fog environment, while characters Aladdin and Jasmine performed synchronized spins and tilts. Our team integrated advanced linear actuators beneath the carpet, meticulously controlled by precision-engineered handles, to achieve seamless tilting actions and ensure flawless performance within the high-energy production.
PC-12 Flight Simulator
GripKey spearheaded the design and construction of a sophisticated PC-12 flight simulator. This project involved acquiring a stripped-out flight cabin and custom-installing our proprietary electronic systems to create a fully functional simulation environment. The initiative provided an engaging and realistic training tool, demonstrating our capability to integrate complex electronic components with existing aviation structures to deliver high-fidelity simulation experiences.
Training Classroom Layout
GripKey undertook the design of an optimized layout for a military training classroom. The project focused on strategic placement of projectors on the front wall to enhance instructional delivery and maximize classroom efficiency. Although the classroom was not yet completed, our design provided a comprehensive blueprint that ensured optimal visibility, accessibility, and functionality of the projection systems, aligning with the stringent requirements of military training environments.
Helicoil Stress Test
GripKey executed the insertion of steel helicoils into plastic fan assemblies to establish new threading solutions following the stripping of existing fasteners. Our team conducted a rigorous theoretical analysis to predict material failure points and the requisite force for failure. To validate our models, we performed practical testing, which confirmed that the plastic components failed precisely with our theoretical predictions. The tests demonstrated that each turn incrementally increased the force applied to the helicoil, culminating in plastic failure after 28 turns, thereby substantiating the reliability and accuracy of our analytical approach.
NASA - IXO MIRROR MOUNT DESIGN
A team of mechanical engineering students from the University of Pittsburgh (including David Grippe), collaborated with NASA on the International X-ray Observatory (IXO) project by designing innovative kinematic mirror mounting systems for the telescope's Flight Mirror Assembly (FMA). Their work involved developing precise and reliable methods to mount the numerous mirror segments, ensuring optimal alignment and stability essential for high-resolution X-ray imaging.
Reactor Integrated Head Assembly Design
GripKey possesses extensive experience in designing large-scale industrial and high-capital projects, including integrated head assemblies for boiling water reactors. Our comprehensive designs encompass a variety of structures, such as missile shield platforms, ductwork and their support systems, working platforms, expansive cable trays, head stands, and other essential components.
Reverse Engineering
GripKey has successfully completed numerous reverse engineering projects aimed at producing replacement parts, creating accurate models, enabling customization, and more. Reverse engineering is essential for extending the lifespan of existing equipment, facilitating the integration of modern technologies, and ensuring compatibility with current standards. By leveraging advanced tools such as 3D scanning technology, sophisticated CAD software, and precision measurement instruments, GripKey delivers precise and efficient reverse engineering solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients.
Why GripKey?
GripKey brings over 15 years of experience supporting complex technical projects with accurate, reliable CAD drafting and documentation. We are trusted by government and commercial teams to deliver clear, build-ready drawings and as-built documentation that integrate cleanly into active project workflows—without disrupting schedules or internal responsibilities.
Accuracy
Build-ready documentation you can rely on
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Produce precise CAD drawings based on client-provided designs, specifications, and field information
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Reduce rework and downstream corrections
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Deliver documentation that holds up through reviews, audits, and sustainment
Reliability
Consistent support for active projects
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Defined project scopes and deliverables
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Responsive support during installation, modification, and sustainment phases
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Work that integrates smoothly into existing schedules and workflows
Responsiveness
Timely updates when projects move fast
Focus
Extra capacity without disruption
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Quick turnaround on redlines, revisions, and documentation updates
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Clear communication on timelines, progress, and deliverables
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Ability to adjust priorities as project conditions evolve
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Reliable follow-through to keep documentation aligned with active work
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Overflow drafting support without adding headcount
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Project-based assistance aligned to your needs
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Internal teams stay focused on engineering, installation, and execution
Clarity
Drawings that communicate clearly
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Standardized layers, symbols, and formatting
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Clean, readable documentation for downstream teams
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Fewer RFIs and less back-and-forth during execution
Trust
A dependable small business partner
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Small Business | CAGE: 02V07 | UEI: CD9WE4RDP7F7
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Familiar with government and prime contractor documentation expectations
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Professional, responsive, and easy to work with
Experience
Technical Documentation & Project Support Experience
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Over 15 years supporting complex, engineering-driven programs through CAD drafting, documentation, and project coordination.
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Extensive experience working alongside licensed engineers, program managers, and installation teams from early planning through execution and closeout.
Business & Systems Integration Experience
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Supported and integrated multiple document control and configuration systems across large programs.
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Experience working with enterprise platforms such as SAP to support documentation workflows and data consistency.
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Contributed to end-to-end “sale to delivery” documentation processes across multiple products and customized configurations.
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Coordinated cross-functional teams to support timely and accurate project execution.
Academic Background
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Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering — University of Pittsburgh
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Certificate in Nuclear Engineering
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Master of Business Administration — Pennsylvania State University
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Master in Law — University of Pennsylvania
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President, Master in Law Society
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Professional Collaboration
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Worked in support roles on projects involving organizations such as NASA, Disney, and Universal Studios, contributing to documentation accuracy and delivery coordination.