A propulsion system for a device includes an electric motor configured to generate torque to propel the device. A position sensor is adapted to determine a rotor position of the electric motor. The system includes a controller having instructions recorded for determining the rotor position when a sensor fault condition is detected. The controller is adapted to selectively command injection of a voltage signal in a direct magnetic axis in a synchronous reference frame when a motor speed of the electric motor is below a predefined motor speed threshold and the sensor fault condition is detected. The rotor position is estimated based in part on a motor current response to the voltage signal. The voltage signal is defined by an alternating periodic shape having respective constant segments in each of a plurality of control periods, the respective constant segments being discontinuous between the control periods.