A hybrid-electric propulsion (HEP) system is provided that includes a gas turbine engine, an electrical power motive system, a system controller, and a propulsor. The gas turbine engine has a free turbine configuration and a compressor. The electrical power motive system has first and second electric motors and first and second inverters. The gas turbine engine provides motive force to the propulsor. The first electric motor is configurable in a drive mode or in generator mode. The second electric motor is in communication with the compressor. The system controller is in communication with the gas turbine engine, the first and second inverters, and a non-transitory memory storing instructions, which instructions cause the system controller to control the second inverter to operate the second electric motor to provide a motive force to the compressor of the gas turbine engine during a low power setting of the gas turbine engine.