Tesla Expands Shanghai Hiring to Prepare Full Self-Driving Tests

Tesla is recruiting engineers in Shanghai to test its Full Self-Driving system as it prepares for China approval. Learn what the move signals.

Tesla is stepping up preparations for the introduction of Full Self-Driving in China, launching a recruitment drive in Shanghai for engineers to test its intelligent driving systems. The job posting, published on February 13, outlines responsibilities that go far beyond office-based development: overseeing prototype vehicles, conducting trials on proving grounds and public roads, and travelling across China — and potentially internationally — for real-world validation. The position is based in Lingang, home to Gigafactory Shanghai.

Candidates are expected to demonstrate strong proficiency in Python, C/C++ and MATLAB, along with experience diagnosing software and hardware failures. Background in ADAS, road testing or driver assistance system development is listed as particularly relevant. Experience in microcontroller development and even a passion for motorsports are described as advantages, underscoring the practical, performance-focused nature of the role.

The move builds on developments in 2024, when Shanghai authorities allowed Tesla to conduct pilot road tests of ten vehicles equipped with its most advanced autonomous driving software in the Nanhui area. That limited approval marked an important step toward broader deployment in the world’s largest electric vehicle market. Establishing an expanded engineering effort near the Shanghai factory suggests the company is moving from initial pilot authorization to a more hands-on phase of localization and validation.

Automated driving systems in China operate under close regulatory scrutiny. Carmakers are required to comply with national safety standards and strict rules governing data handling, including storage and cross-border data transfer. The rollout of such features — including over-the-air software updates — is also subject to regulatory oversight. Against this backdrop, localized testing and adaptation to China’s road infrastructure appear essential before any wider certification can be secured.

The strategic rationale is clear. China remains the largest EV market globally, and competition in the field of intelligent driving is intensifying as domestic automakers and technology companies expand their own advanced driver assistance systems. For Tesla, successfully adapting Full Self-Driving to Chinese requirements could strengthen its competitive position at a time when pressure from local players continues to grow.

For now, the focus remains on testing and preparation. Yet the scale of hiring and the emphasis on extensive road validation indicate that Tesla is positioning itself for a deeper push toward certification and broader deployment of its system in one of its most critical markets.