Global optimization techniques present considerable advantages when applied to non-linear and/or non-convex design spaces, where local search techniques can easily be trapped in local minima. In the present work, it is considered the application of Differential Evolution to the optimization of thermal residual stresses distribution in a sandwich panel, which is composed by an aluminium core and functionally graded outer layers. With this aim, numerical examples were carried out in order to evaluate the influence of different design parameters on the thermal residual stresses distribution. From those results, it is possible to conclude from the adequacy of the Differential Evolution strategy to minimize thermal residual stresses values, under different scenarios. It is worth to note the obtained increasing smoothness of residual stresses distribution, specially on the material transition interface.