Colorado defense contractor moving HQ, investing $20M in Hillsborough County

Colorado-based defense technology company Orion Edge Group has moved its headquarters to Tampa, the company announced Wednesday — bringing 20 new jobs to the region along with a commitment to invest $20 million investment in Hillsborough County. 

Orion Edge Group develops tactical electronic warfare systems that allow U.S. forces to disrupt and disconnect both enemy communications and navigation networks for drones and other uncrewed craft, all with the touch of a button. 

Founded by CEO John Mueller in 2024, Orion Edge is the latest in a growing number of businesses and contractors to relocate to Tampa, bolstering the region’s growing reputation as a national hub for cybersecurity and defense innovations. 

The decision was a simple one, Mueller says in the announcement. Not only is Tampa home to numerous government agencies, but it also offers a strong business climate with favorable conditions for long-term growth.

"We chose Tampa because of its proximity to our government customers at the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and the favorable business environment that is actively fostered by both the Tampa Bay area and the State of Florida,” Mueller says in the announcement.

According to state records, Orion Edge Group relocated from Denver last month to an office park located at 6011 Benjamin Road in Tampa’s Town ‘N’ Country area. The company is also actively recruiting for 20 new jobs, which include positions in executive leadership as well as electrical, software, defense and radio frequency engineering roles. 

Orion Edge Group leadership visited Tampa in May for the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference, an annual event sponsored by USSOCOM, and quickly identified opportunities to connect with defense partners and strengthen operations, the announcement says. 

It was there that the company immediately began working with the City of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (EDC) on possibly relocating Orion Edge’s operations. 

The Tampa Bay EDC continues to work with Orion Edge Group as the company makes its transition, the announcement says, providing introductions to community partners, investors and workforce programs as well as assisting with Quick Response Training grants. 

“We’re proud to welcome Orion Edge to Tampa,” Craig Richard, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay EDC, says in the announcement. “Orion Edge’s innovative defense technology and advanced warfighter solutions will play a crucial role in strengthening our region’s defense and security ecosystem.”

Joanne LeBlanc of Colliers represented Orion Edge Group in the commercial real estate transaction.