Is there a better term for 'low-level?'
- Foundational (fundamental or underlying)
- Machine-level (or, informally, "bare-metal programming ... is considered to be a low-level method of programming that is specific to the hardware used in the computer system and is often used for optimizing software and applications for an individual computer")
- System internals
- System-level
- Underpinnings (support or foundation)
A few I can think of:
- "Fundamental"
- "Core"
- "Kernel"
I think foundational and core are quite good options. I'd just add to the list the word infrastructural. It may have more of the "technical tinge" you're looking for.