SCOTTSDALE, ARIZ. (May 18, 2026) — Knightwerx, a defense technology company specializing in unmanned aerial systems and sensor technology, has relocated its headquarters from Camarillo, California, to Scottsdale as it prepares to expand hiring and scale production.
The company develops AI-enabled, dual-use drone and sensor systems for military, defense, and security applications. Its flagship platform, Sandman, is a high-speed, modular autonomous drone system designed for frontline operators, while its Darqmatter technology provides precision atmospheric sensing for applications requiring small size, weight, and power.
Knightwerx founder and CEO Daniel Baumgartner said Arizona’s growing position as a defense technology hub influenced the company’s move.
“I recognized this early on and decided to ensure that the next growth phase of Knightwerx would happen in the great state of Arizona,” Baumgartner said. “We have received incredible support from the Fuse Accelerator community, the Defense Innovation Unit, the local business community, and leading government organizations, such as the Air Force, National Guard, and local law enforcement units since relocating.”
The company currently has 15 employees and has added four workers since moving to Scottsdale in March. Knightwerx plans to hire 15 additional employees over the next 12 months, including engineers, as it moves from research and development toward production.
Knightwerx Chief Operating Officer Erinn Valencich said the company intends to establish a drone manufacturing facility in the Valley in the future, though no site has been selected yet. In the interim, future assembly of the company’s products is expected to take place at its Scottsdale headquarters, with additional production capacity available through partners.
The relocation comes as demand for unmanned aerial systems continues to grow across defense and security markets. Knightwerx said Sandman is designed to provide faster, lighter, and more flexible tactical drone capabilities for operators in the field.
“The drone is really our star product,” Valencich said. “It’s more of a timely product, in the sense that the Department of War is requesting more tactical drones.”
Knightwerx expects to begin production in the fourth quarter and start shipping to select customers in the first quarter of 2027. The company is also raising an $8 million seed round and plans to launch a Series A round later in the year. According to company information, Knightwerx has raised $11 million to date.
Baumgartner founded Knightwerx in 2019 after serving in Swiss special operations. The company said its products were developed around field-based needs, including tactical drone systems and atmospheric sensor technology for defense and aerospace applications.
“Our priorities for the next 12 months are growing the team, moving from research and development into production of our drone and continuing to collaborate with great partners in local law and security forces,” Baumgartner said.