A hybrid electric propulsion system includes a gas turbine engine having a low speed spool and a high speed spool. The low speed spool includes a low pressure compressor and a low pressure turbine, and the high speed spool includes a high pressure compressor and a high pressure turbine. The hybrid electric propulsion system also includes an energy storage system, an electric motor configured to augment rotational power of the high speed spool, and a controller. The controller is operable to detect a start condition of the gas turbine engine, control power delivery from the energy storage system to the electric motor based on detecting the start condition, and provide a compressor stall margin using a power-assist provided by the electric motor to the high speed spool over a targeted speed range during starting of the gas turbine engine.