Defense contractor moving HQ to Tampa and invest $20M in region

Tampa, Florida continues to gain momentum as a national hub for defense innovation, advanced technology development, and high-skill employment. Colorado-based defense contractor Orion Edge has announced that it will relocate its corporate headquarters to Tampa, bringing with it 20 high-wage jobs and approximately $20 million in new capital investment to Hillsborough County. The company specializes in tactical electronic warfare systems designed to support U.S. military operations across multiple domains, including air, land, sea, and cyber. Its technology helps American and allied forces disrupt enemy communications systems, interfere with electronic surveillance, and counter drone navigation networks, strengthening national defense capabilities in strategic environments worldwide.

The relocation marks another significant development in the expanding Tampa Bay defense technology and national security sector. Tampa’s proximity to U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) at MacDill Air Force Base, paired with the region’s strong talent base, business-friendly environment, and rapidly growing aerospace and defense ecosystem, made the area an appealing strategic choice for the company’s future growth.

According to Orion Edge CEO John Mueller, the combination of government connectivity, competitive operating conditions, and growing collaboration opportunities positioned Tampa Florida as the ideal location. “We chose Tampa because of its proximity to our government customers at the United States Special Operations Command and the favorable business environment that is actively fostered by both the Tampa Bay area and the State of Florida,” Mueller explained. “This region not only supports our mission but helps accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation defense systems.”

Tampa’s Position as a Defense Innovation Hub

The company was first introduced to the Tampa market during the annual Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC), a major defense and technology event held in downtown Tampa. During the conference, Orion Edge executives connected with military leaders, private-sector partners, and advanced technology suppliers who are already contributing to one of the country’s fastest-growing defense innovation clusters. Those early conversations made clear that Tampa Bay offered fertile ground for collaboration, research partnerships, and expansion.

Shortly afterward, Orion Edge began working closely with the City of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (EDC) to evaluate relocation options. The Tampa EDC assisted by facilitating introductions to investors, regional workforce development programs, and Florida’s Quick Response Training grant program, which helps companies provide advanced skills training for new hires. These resources reinforced the company’s confidence in the region’s Tampa workforce, Tampa technology ecosystem, and long-term business infrastructure.

Craig J. Richard, President and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, welcomed the company’s decision. “We’re proud to welcome Orion Edge to Tampa,” Richard said. “Orion Edge’s innovative defense technology and advanced warfighter solutions will play a crucial role in strengthening our region’s defense and security ecosystem. Their presence expands the Tampa Bay region’s leadership in aerospace, defense, and national security innovation.”

Economic Growth and High-Skill Job Creation in Hillsborough County

The company’s relocation adds to a growing wave of high-wage Tampa jobs in Hillsborough County, especially in sectors such as aerospace engineering, cyber defense, data analytics, tactical communications, advanced manufacturing, and secure systems development. As more organizations involved in defense technology and national security choose Tampa Florida as a hub for headquarters operations, research centers, and engineering campuses, the region continues to reinforce its role as a strategic innovation corridor.

These Tampa jobs not only contribute to local economic development but help attract engineering talent, veterans transitioning from active duty at MacDill Air Force Base, university researchers, and private-sector technologists who specialize in secure systems, autonomous platforms, and mission-critical communications. The company’s decision is expected to encourage additional defense contractors, aerospace firms, cybersecurity companies, and advanced manufacturing specialists to consider Tampa Bay as a competitive location for expansion and investment.

Tampa’s Business Climate and Strategic Geographic Advantage

Over the past decade, Tampa Florida has earned national recognition for its dynamic business climate, low corporate tax structure, availability of professional office space, and commitment to supporting high-growth industries. The region’s economic leadership has placed a particular focus on cultivating strong partnerships between private-sector innovators, local government, and federal defense agencies.

MacDill Air Force Base plays a central role in this ecosystem, housing both U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM). These organizations coordinate global operations, special mission support, strategic planning, and rapid-response capabilities. For defense companies like Orion Edge, being located minutes from national command leadership increases collaborative efficiency, accelerates operational timelines, and strengthens the ability to respond quickly to evolving mission requirements.

In addition to national security advantages, the Tampa Bay region continues to grow as a hub for aerospace manufacturing, defense simulation and training, unmanned systems development, and secure data operations. The area’s universities—University of South Florida, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Tampa campus, and local research institutes—provide a strong pipeline of engineering talent, cybersecurity specialists, and military research partnerships critical to innovation.

Reinforcing Tampa’s Future as a Global Defense Technology Center

Orion Edge’s $20 million investment demonstrates strong confidence in the region’s economic infrastructure, talent capacity, and strategic value. It also highlights the continued expansion of Tampa’s advanced manufacturing and security ecosystem, which is increasingly recognized both nationally and globally. As the company establishes its new headquarters, it is expected to contribute to local research partnerships, supplier networks, STEM workforce development, and emerging Tampa defense technology startup initiatives.

The move also aligns with broader regional plans to develop Tampa Bay as a cross-disciplinary center for national security innovation, integrating defense research, artificial intelligence, aerospace engineering, cyber operations, and unmanned systems technology.

Looking Ahead

As Orion Edge transitions into its new Tampa headquarters, the company’s presence reinforces the city’s evolution into one of the country’s most strategic locations for defense and aerospace enterprises. With continued investment, collaboration, and business development support, Tampa Florida stands positioned to expand its leadership in national security, strengthen U.S. defense readiness, and attract the next generation of advanced technology organizations.