Design optimization of a transonic compressor rotor (NASA rotor 37) using response surface method and three-dimensional Navier-Stokes analysis has been carried out in this work. Baldwin-Lomax turbulence model was used in the flow analysis. Three design variables were selected to optimize the stacking line of the blade. Data points for response evaluations were selected by D-optimal design, and linear programming method was used for the optimization on the response surface. As a main result of the optimization, adiabatic efficiency was successfully improved. It is also found that the design process provides reliable design of a turbomachinery blade with reasonable computing time.