Thrive
Defense technology company moves HQ to Tampa
Orion Edge develops devices that can disrupt communications from enemy systems.
John Mueller was a space and special technical operations systems engineer with the U.S. Army. With a passion for defensive technology, it’s not surprising that he launched his own company in 2024.
Mueller is the co-founder and CEO of Orion Edge Group, which has moved its headquarters to Tampa. The Colorado-based organization relocated to an approximately 2,300-square-foot space, at 6011 Benjamin Road, in October.
Orion Edge creates warfare solutions that disrupt communications and navigation networks of enemy drones and other systems.
These products vary in form, Mueller said. However, they’re designed to be mobile and to be used in small unit maneuvers.
If anything, Mueller’s military experience showed him a need for improvement in these types of solutions.
Some were too noticeable on the electromagnetic spectrum, meaning that they were more susceptible to targeting. Additionally, these products often were used at higher levels rather than tactical levels where they were needed, he explained.
Mueller joined forces with David Hart, who he served with, to start the business.
“This is stuff we wish we had in the field when we were still in active duty,” Mueller said. “We just had a lot of familiarity with the tactical application of these systems. So, we designed them based on that use case.”
Multiple factors played a role in choosing Tampa for the new facility, including the state’s research and development tax credits and the city’s proximity to MacDill Air Force Base.
Orion Edge is working with the United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM), which is based at MacDill. The collaboration began after the company collaborated with SOCOM’s nonprofit innovation hub, SOFWERX, in 2024.
Mueller and some of his colleagues visited Tampa in May for the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference. This inspired them to have conversations with the City and the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council about a potential relocation.
Mueller moved to the area in July.
Previously, the company worked with the Catalyst Campus for Technology and Innovation in Colorado Springs and manufactured products at various locations in Colorado and Maryland, he said.
Orion Edge plans to add 20 new positions including electrical, computer and radio frequency engineer roles.
