The Shop That Machines for GPS Satellites and National Security Payloads
Lockheed Martin Space builds GPS III satellites right here in Sunnyvale. That kind of work demands a supply chain that never misses tolerance. RivCut is an pursuing ITAR registration CNC shop in Union City, 18 miles from Sunnyvale's defense corridor. We machine weapon system hardware, satellite structural components, and classified enclosures to ±0.0005 inches. Every part ships with full traceability documentation your program office can audit on demand. Sunnyvale runs 18 defense establishments with 3,500 workers. Those teams need a local precision partner who speaks mil-spec from day one.
in the Sunnyvale area
in the Sunnyvale area
for Sunnyvale defense
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Precision CNC Machining for Defense Teams
Defense companies in Sunnyvale need parts that are exact, traceable, and compliant. A weapon mount that's out of spec affects reliability in the field. We machine aluminum 7075, 4340 steel, and titanium 6Al-4V to tolerances as tight as ±0.0005 inches. We are pursuing ITAR registration and handle controlled technology with proper export controls.
Shop Pursuing ITAR Registration
We are registered with the DDTC under ITAR. Defense and controlled-technology projects are handled by US persons only with proper export procedures.
Mil-Spec Materials
We machine aluminum 7075, 4340 steel, titanium 6Al-4V, and mil-spec alloys with full material certs and heat lot traceability.
Full Traceability
Every part gets a job number with records of material, programs, and operator sign-offs. Your program office can request records at any time.
What We Machine for Sunnyvale Defense Teams
Sunnyvale defense programs span satellite systems, cybersecurity hardware, and advanced robotics. Each demands a different machining discipline. We cover all of them.
Satellite & Space Structural Parts
Lockheed Martin's GPS III program uses aluminum 7075 and titanium 6Al-4V in structural brackets, antenna mounts, and payload housings. We machine those same materials to ±0.0005". Ra 32 or better on sealing surfaces.
±0.0005" toleranceOptical & Sensor Housings
Classified national security payloads rely on precision optical assemblies. We machine electro-optical housings, gimbal brackets, and sensor enclosures. Parallelism and perpendicularity verified on CMM before shipping.
±0.001" bore toleranceTactical & Electronic Enclosures
Fortinet and Juniper Networks both run hardware manufacturing here. We machine 6061 and 5052 aluminum enclosures with lid grooves and RF gasket channels for tight EMI shielding fits.
±0.002" EMI channelsWeapon System Components
Receiver components, trigger group parts, and rail systems machined from 4340 steel and 7075 aluminum. Every part gets a heat lot cert tied to its job number for full traceability.
Heat lot certifiedDefense Robotics & Actuators
Defense robotics programs borrow from the same precision actuator and joint component designs used in surgical robotics. We machine titanium actuator housings and stainless instrument shafts to surgical tolerances.
Surgical-grade precisionDefense R&D Prototypes
Low-volume prototypes for SBIR/STTR projects, OTA contracts, and government R&D programs. Fast turnaround from 1 to 50 pieces with clean documentation and pursuing ITAR registration handling throughout.
1–50 piece runsParts for Sunnyvale Defense Companies
Weapon mounts, optical housings, tactical enclosures, and more.
Weapon System Components
Receiver components, trigger group parts, barrel extensions, and mounting rails machined from 7075-T6 aluminum and 4140 steel. Tight tolerances and surfaces ready for anodize or Cerakote.
7075-T6 & 4140Optical & EO System Housings
Night vision housings, targeting pod enclosures, FLIR camera bodies, and laser designator mounts. Tight bore tolerances for lens and sensor fit. Anodized or hard-coated on request.
Ti & Al precisionDefense Electronics Enclosures
Ruggedized enclosures for battlefield electronics, communications gear, and radar systems. Machined from 6061 aluminum with EMI shielding features and watertight sealing grooves.
EMI-shieldedTactical & Ground Vehicle Parts
Mounting plates, armor interface brackets, crew-served weapon mounts, and vehicle tie-down hardware. Machined from high-strength steel and aluminum to mil-spec geometry.
High-strength steelMissile & Munition Components
Fuse housings, actuator bodies, and structural components machined from steel and aluminum. Tight concentricity and thread tolerances. Handled with appropriate ITAR controls.
ITAR-controlledDefense R&D Prototypes
Low-volume prototypes for government R&D programs, SBIR/STTR projects, and OTA contracts. Fast turnaround, clean documentation, and pursuing ITAR registration handling.
1–50 piecesSunnyvale's Defense Manufacturing Ecosystem
Not a typical defense town — but home to concentrated technical talent and companies building the most advanced military hardware on earth.
Satellite & Space Systems Hub
Lockheed Martin Space operates its largest satellite facility on Orion Drive — building GPS III satellites and classified national security payloads. Supplier demands are extreme: parts must be traceable, documented, and exact.
Cybersecurity Hardware Manufacturing
Fortinet and Juniper Networks are headquartered here, producing defense-grade network security appliances for U.S. government agencies. Both require precision-machined aluminum chassis and ruggedized enclosures.
Defense Robotics & Autonomous Systems
A growing sector drawing on the same engineering talent behind Intuitive Surgical's da Vinci system. The machining tolerances for autonomous platforms are identical to medical-grade specifications.
Silicon Valley Hardware Corridor
Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing concentration means machined parts move into integration faster. Board-level assembly, conformal coating, and systems integration vendors are all within a few miles.
Lockheed Martin
GPS III satellites, classified payloads, space systems
Raytheon Technologies
Stinger, Tomahawk, Patriot missile systems
Northrop Grumman
B-21 Raider, Global Hawk, space systems
L3Harris & BAE Systems
Defense electronics, comms, and assemblies
Why Sunnyvale Defense Teams Use RivCut
RivCut sits in Union City, California. That is 18 miles from Lockheed Martin Space on Orion Drive. A driver can pick up a rush delivery and be back at your facility before lunch.
Pursuing ITAR Registration
We are on Pacific Time. Your engineering team in Sunnyvale calls during business hours and reaches a machinist, not a voicemail queue in another time zone. When your program schedule slips by a day, we adjust the same afternoon.
Mil-Spec Documentation
We are pursuing ITAR registration with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls. Every defense job is handled by US persons only. Controlled technical data never leaves a compliant environment. Your export control officer already knows what that means and why it matters.
CMM Inspection Included
Sunnyvale's defense community is dense. Word travels fast between program offices on Caribbean Drive and the satellite integration buildings near Highway 237. We have built our reputation by not missing a dimension and not missing a deadline.
Fast Prototype Turnaround
Our CMM inspection reports are formatted for program office review. You get a first article inspection report, a job traveler, and material certs in one package. No chasing documents from three different people.
in Sunnyvale We Can Serve
Need our full quality documentation before ordering? Email us — we'll send everything your team needs to evaluate.
How to Get Parts Made
Sunnyvale program timelines do not wait. Here is how the process works.
Upload & Quote
Upload your CAD file. Send a STEP or IGES file through our secure quote portal. ITAR-controlled files can be submitted through our compliant data handling process.
We Machine & Inspect
Get a quote fast. Most defense quotes come back within 24 hours. Complex multi-axis parts may take 48 hours. We flag DFM issues before cutting starts.
Ship with Full Docs
We machine and inspect. Every defense part gets CMM verification. First articles include a full dimensional report.
Find Your Exact Part Type
We machine parts for every corner of the Sunnyvale defense market.
Questions from Sunnyvale Defense Teams
RivCut is a precision CNC machining and machine shop serving Sunnyvale and the greater Bay Area. We run CNC milling, CNC milling machine, milling machine, CNC turning, CNC lathe, metal lathe, CNC metal lathe, and lathe machine capacity in our Union City facility for fast prototyping, rapid prototyping, production machining, aerospace machining, and machining aerospace components. Searching for machine shops near me or a machine shop near Sunnyvale? Upload a STEP file for an instant prototype quote — we deliver CNC machine milling machine and lathe parts in as few as 3 business days.
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Defense CNC Machining in Other Cities
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CNC Services in Sunnyvale
Get a Defense Quote Today
Upload your CAD file now. RivCut is 18 miles from Sunnyvale's defense corridor, pursuing ITAR registration, and ready to machine your next program's parts. Most quotes return in 24 hours.
Start your instant quote — no minimum order required.
Currently accepting new projects
AI price estimates are usually within ±20% of final price. Complex parts may get a human review within one business day before pricing is confirmed.
Why Sunnyvale, CA Companies Choose RivCut
Sunnyvale (155K metro) is known for defense (Lockheed) and tech. Local industries include defense satellites, semiconductor, AI. RivCut machines parts for teams across CA from our Union City, CA facility — with standard shipping in 2–3 business days.
All parts are CNC machined in-house at our Bay Area shop. We never broker or outsource. Learn about RivCut →