Defense contractor announces $6M HQ expansion in Tampa

Military defense contractor Orion Edge has announced a $6 million expansion of its headquarters in Tampa, Florida, less than a year after relocating its operations from Denver. The tactical electronic warfare specialist plans to add 25 high-wage positions as it moves into a new 8,008-square-foot facility in the Westshore District. This expansion underscores the growing importance of the Tampa Bay region as a hub for defense technology, driven by its proximity to United States Special Operations Command.

Orion Edge, a firm specializing in tactical electronic warfare and counter uncrewed aircraft systems, is set to invest $6 million into its Tampa headquarters over the next three years. The expansion includes the leasing of an 8,008-square-foot facility located at 5555 W. Waters Ave. in Tampa’s Westshore District, with a move-in date scheduled for early August. As part of this growth, the company expects to create 25 new jobs, which are projected to carry an average annual salary of $120,000.

The decision to expand follows the company’s initial relocation from Denver to Tampa in November 2025. CEO John Mueller noted that the region's business climate and its close proximity to the United States Special Operations Command have been vital to the company's success. Orion Edge’s initial interest in the area was sparked by its attendance at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference held in Tampa earlier that year.

The expansion was supported by the City of Tampa and the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, the latter of which provided market analysis and demographic data to facilitate the move. Archie Collins, Chairman of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, stated that the expansion serves as evidence that the local defense technology ecosystem is gaining significant momentum. Joanne LeBlanc of Colliers represented Orion Edge in the real estate transaction, and the company plans to hold a public ribbon-cutting ceremony following the move.