A high temperature superconductor (HTS) synchronous motor or generator (12) includes permanent magnets (32) disposed in the rotor (24). The permanent magnets (32) can be magnetized after the rotor assembly is manufactured. The permanent magnets (32) reduce flux density perpendicular to the superconducting coil (28). The magnets can be disposed in the d-axis of the motor. The motor is particularly useful in propulsion applications.