Tesla is intensifying its preparations for the launch of its Full Self-Driving (FSD) system in China with the hiring of an Autopilot Test Engineer. The position is based in the Lingang area of Shanghai, home to the company’s Gigafactory and a designated zone for advanced autonomous driving tests.
Lingang: A Key Testing Ground for Tesla’s FSD
The Lingang Special Area, specifically Shanghai’s Nanhui New City within the district, has previously been authorized to permit a fleet of Tesla vehicles to conduct advanced driving tests on public roads. This initiative marked a significant step, allowing a foreign automaker to test autonomous driving systems under real-world traffic conditions in China.
Regulatory and Infrastructure Preparations Underway
This recruitment drive by Tesla China aligns with ongoing efforts to establish the necessary regulatory framework and infrastructure for a comprehensive FSD rollout. While a definitive launch date has not yet been announced, the company has been actively laying the groundwork for the advanced driver-assistance system.
Tesla China Vice President Grace Tao recently commented on the company’s commitment, stating, “We have set up a local training center in China specifically to handle this adaptation. Once officially released, it will demonstrate a level of performance that is no less than, and may even surpass, that of local drivers.”
Optimism for FSD in China
Tesla CEO Elon Musk has expressed considerable optimism regarding the potential FSD launch in China. During the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting, Musk indicated that FSD had received “partial approval” in China, with full authorization potentially expected around February or March 2026. This projected timeline was reiterated by Musk during his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The hiring of a dedicated Autopilot Test Engineer in Shanghai underscores Tesla’s strategic focus on tailoring and validating its FSD technology for the complex Chinese market.