Defense technology company Orion Edge is expanding its Tampa headquarters less than a year after relocating from Denver, leasing additional space in the Westshore District and committing $6 million to support its next phase of growth.
The company signed a lease for 8,008 square feet at 5555 W. Waters Ave. and plans to create 25 engineering and manufacturing jobs with an average annual salary of $120,000 over the next three years. Orion Edge expects to occupy the office in early August.
Orion Edge develops electronic warfare systems designed to disrupt enemy communications and counter uncrewed systems. Company officials said Tampa’s defense industry and proximity to U.S. Special Operations Command at MacDill Air Force Base were key factors in both the company’s November 2025 headquarters relocation and its decision to grow its operations here.
“Since relocating our headquarters to Tampa, we’ve found that the region’s strong business climate and close proximity to the United States Special Operations Command have been instrumental to our continued growth and success,” Chief Executive Officer John Mueller said. “Expanding our headquarters reinforces our investment in Tampa and positions us to continue growing our team and capabilities for years to come.”
Orion Edge relocated after executives attended the 2025 Special Operations Forces Industry Conference in Tampa. The company worked with the City of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council on the move from Colorado, and the EDC said it later provided workforce and market data that helped Orion Edge evaluate its long-term plans in the region.
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The investment adds to Tampa’s growing defense technology sector, which local economic development leaders have identified alongside cybersecurity and artificial intelligence as priority industries for future growth.
“Companies like Orion Edge create high-value engineering and manufacturing jobs that are an especially good fit for warfighters transitioning out of the military into the private sector as well as the talent we’re producing at our universities and community colleges,” Hillsborough County Commission Chair Ken Hagan said. “We thank them for choosing this community to build their future and look forward to supporting them as they continue to grow.”
“Their expertise in electromagnetic warfare complements our region’s capabilities in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and autonomous drone systems,” Archie Collins, chairman of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council and chief executive officer of Tampa Electric, said.
Orion Edge plans to hold a public ribbon-cutting ceremony after moving into the new office in August. Joanne LeBlanc of Colliers represented the company in the lease transaction.
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