A compressor surge control system includes a rotor system with at least one compressor section and at least one turbine section operably coupled to a shaft. The compressor surge control system also includes one or more rotor system sensors configured to collect a plurality of sensor data from the rotor system, an electric motor operably coupled to the rotor system, and a controller. The controller is operable to monitor the one or more rotor system sensors while the rotor system is rotating. The controller determines whether the plurality of sensor data from the one or more rotor system sensors is indicative of an early-stage compressor surge oscillation. A surge control torque is determined to diminish the early-stage compressor surge oscillation of the rotor system. The electric motor is commanded to apply the surge control torque to the rotor system.