Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a bearing load control system that includes a force application device configured to apply a force to a bearing of a compressor and a sensor configured to provide feedback indicative of an operating parameter of the compressor. The bearing load control system also includes a controller that is communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to determine an indication of a thrust force applied to the bearing based on the feedback indicative of the operating parameter. The controller is also configured to adjust the force application device to control the force applied to the bearing based at least in part on a control algorithm and the indication of the thrust force.