Abstract: Aim To present a design method of shape optimization for the piston struc- ture with the thermal load and develop a program based on this method. Methods The optimal model of the structures with the thermal load was constructed. The analyti- cal formulas of the temperature sensitivity, the axisymmetric element structure's displacement sensitivity, the stress sensitivity and the fatigue safety coefficient sensitivity were derived and the relevant program based on NTP software was developed. Results The optimal designs performed for two types for two types of diesel pistons have reached the goal of decreasing the weight and the top temperature of the pistons with the thermal load . Conclusion This method is an advanced design tool for shape optimization of the Structures with the thermal load.