PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to implement an optimization approach for the tilting‐pad journal bearing using the genetic algorithm (GA), and compare the results with the method of feasible design (MFD).Design/methodology/approachThe optimum design of a five‐pad tilting‐pad bearing is studied for the optimal performance, considering system minimum power loss along with design criteria such as: fluid film thickness, film temperature, and film pressure with respect to design variables consisting of pad axial length to journal diameter ratio, pad arc length, bearing radial clearance, pad offset factor, and pad preload factor.FindingsThe algorithms are repeated until no search direction can be found that will improve objective function without violating the constraints. Thus, the algorithms are performed for complete search to get the best possible solution of the design. The comparison mainly focuses on the empirical solutions. The GA obtained reasonably good results for the objective function and comparable to the MFD.Originality/valueThe availability of the GA is certainly of value because it allows the exploration of many different configurations of design variables and therefore also contributes to the better knowledge of the rotor‐bearing system behavior in general.