diff --git a/.github/CODEOWNERS b/.github/CODEOWNERS
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..c3044fb540
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.github/CODEOWNERS
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+# CODEOWNERS is not the most intuitive file
+# Review the docs before modifying: https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/managing-your-repositorys-settings-and-features/customizing-your-repository/about-code-owners
+# Importantly, **the last matching pattern takes precedence**
+
+# By default, everything must be reviewed by someone in the core engineering team
+*          @HarperFast/development
+
+# Otherwise, certain paths may require other reviewers as well
+/.github/  @HarperFast/development @HarperFast/devops
+/upgrade/  @HarperFast/development @HarperFast/devops
+/utility/AWS/  @HarperFast/development @HarperFast/devops