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Core Tech Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

We have a small core tech team, so you will interact with multiple departments, game systems and pipeline technologies. As a core tech programmer at Naughty Dog, you will experience total project ...

Core Tech Programmer

Santa Monica, CA · On-site

$141K - $176K/yr

We have a small core tech team, so you will interact with multiple departments, game systems and pipeline technologies. As a core tech programmer at Naughty Dog, you will experience total project ...

We're looking for a Core Technology Engineer to design and build the automation infrastructure that unifies our business intelligence, streamlines cross-functional workflows, and powers data-driven ...

We're looking for a Core Technology Engineer to design and build the automation infrastructure that unifies our business intelligence, streamlines cross-functional workflows, and powers data-driven ...

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Core Tech information

See California salary details

$20.6K

$106.7K

$182.1K

How much do core tech jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for core tech in California is $106,656.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $61,201.00 and $138,560.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Core Tech position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Core Tech professional, you need a strong background in computer science fundamentals, systems programming, and algorithms, often demonstrated through a relevant degree or extensive industry experience. Familiarity with programming languages like C/C++, version control systems, and performance profiling tools is commonly expected. Excellent problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help you coordinate complex tasks and collaborate across cross-functional engineering teams. These abilities are crucial for building and optimizing foundational technologies that drive scalable, reliable software platforms.

What is a Core Tech job?

A Core Tech job typically involves developing and maintaining fundamental technologies that support a company's software, hardware, or infrastructure. Professionals in this role focus on core systems, performance optimization, and scalable architecture. They often work with low-level programming, system frameworks, or backend infrastructure to ensure stability and efficiency. Core Tech roles are common in industries like game development, cloud computing, and enterprise software, where robust technical foundations are essential.

Is Core Tech a good company to work for?

Core Tech as a job role typically involves technical skills such as programming, system analysis, or software development. The work environment and company reputation vary, so researching specific company reviews and employee feedback can provide better insight into its suitability as an employer.

What are the most common day-to-day responsibilities of a Core Tech engineer?

Core Tech engineers typically work on designing, implementing, and optimizing low-level systems and infrastructure components that serve as the backbone for application teams. On a daily basis, they may write and review code, perform performance tuning, debug hard-to-diagnose issues, and proactively identify improvements to scalability and reliability. Collaboration is frequent, with Core Tech professionals interfacing regularly with product engineering, DevOps, and QA teams to ensure seamless integration and deployment. Due to the critical nature of their work, Core Tech engineers are often involved in technical design discussions and contribute to setting coding and architectural standards throughout the organization.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In the tech industry, senior roles such as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), VP of Engineering, or highly experienced software architects can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with bonuses, stock options, and profit sharing. These positions typically require extensive experience, advanced skills in areas like cloud computing or AI, and often involve leadership responsibilities in large organizations or successful startups.

What jobs pay 2000 a day?

In the tech industry, highly specialized roles such as freelance software consultants, cybersecurity experts, and senior cloud architects can earn around $2,000 per day, especially when working on contract or project basis. These positions typically require advanced skills, certifications, and experience, and often involve consulting, remote work, or high-demand environments.

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

In the tech industry, roles such as software developers, web developers, and cybersecurity specialists can earn $10,000 or more per month through skills, experience, and certifications like coding bootcamps or industry certifications. These positions often require strong technical skills, self-learning, and sometimes remote work flexibility, but typically do not require a formal degree.
What are popular job titles related to Core Tech jobs in California? For Core Tech jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Core Tech jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Core Tech jobs in California are:
Core Tech Programmer

Core Tech Programmer

Naughty Dog

Santa Monica, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

This is a hybrid/ onsite position.

For nearly 40 years, Naughty Dog has been crafting best-selling, critically acclaimed games that constantly push the boundaries of narrative, gameplay, and technology. Naughty Dog recently released The Last of Us Part II Remastered as well as a current generation remake of The Last of Us Part I for the PS5. We're also proud to say that The Last of Us Part I and Part II are now available for the first time on PC. Currently, we're busy at the kennel working on Intergalactic: The Heretic Prophet, and we'd love to find talented individuals to join us.

Naughty Dog games have long been lauded for their evocative, character-driven stories and attention to detail. We are committed to innovation within our games and as such have curated some of the top creative and technically innovative minds in the industry. We welcome a diverse pool of candidates and believe that a broad range of cultural and life experiences contribute to the overall well-being and success of the studio and the titles we craft together. We have a small core tech team, so you will interact with multiple departments, game systems and pipeline technologies. As a core tech programmer at Naughty Dog, you will experience total project ownership: talk directly to the artists and designers, devise and build the technology they use. You will experience varied and challenging responsibilities requiring a high level of adaptability and a taste for discovering cutting-edge technologies.

What you will do:

  • Tackling complex problems: Design, develop, and support technology in our production pipeline from DCC tools, throughout our asset management and conditioning pipeline, down to the supporting runtime game systems 
  • Work with and enable artists and designers to create incredible assets throughout all stages of production, with an eye on constantly improving creation workflows, user experience, and performance of our tools and technologies 
  • Navigate and constantly improve an extensive code base 
  • Responsibilities may evolve based on needs 

What skills you will use:

  • Minimum of 3 years working in the video game industry 
  • Minimum of 1 shipped AAA game 
  • B.S. in Computer Science and/or Mathematics or equivalent work experience 
  • Excellent 3D math skills (especially linear algebra and vector math)
  • Extensive experience in creating one or more of the following PC applications in C++ or C#: level editor, art prototype catalogue/database, animation/cinematic editor, material/shader editor, dcc plug-ins, build tools, data messaging tools, lighting tools or equivalent software 
  • Experience with PC application programming

Bonus Skills:

  • Experience with console programming 
  • Experience with databases and query optimizations 
  • Experience with a scripting language 
  • Experience using DCC applications 

As part of the Naughty Dog application process, candidates should expect to be given a technical interview. 

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