Sorin Marghitoiu – KO6ETZ
Software Engineer · Consultant · Ham Radio · Indie Developer
I’m a software engineer with over 20 years in the industry. For 17 years, through 2026, I managed the software lab at USC’s Center for Interactive Smart Oilfield Technologies (CiSoft), part of the Viterbi School of Engineering, including 7 years as a Chevron consultant. I work in C#, .NET, and Python; after hours I build ham radio software, audio visualization tools, and whatever else catches my attention. This site is where all of that ends up.
Available for consulting & contract work. With my tenure at USC concluding in 2026, I’m open to new engagements: get in touch.
Career Path
From Timișoara to Simi Valley, two decades of building software across printing systems, oilfield tech, and everything in between.
Universitatea Politehnica din Timișoara
Bachelor of Science. Where it all started, Romania’s premier engineering university.
Ricoh – Software Development Manager
Built and managed the Host Software Group. Production printer drivers, Windows applications, and a team of engineers. Co-inventor on a U.S. patent for print workflow systems.
Hitachi – Project Lead / Staff Engineer
Led cross-functional project teams delivering complex software integrations.
USC CiSoft – Software Lab Manager
17 years managing the software lab for USC’s Center for Interactive Smart Oilfield Technologies, 7 of them as a Chevron consultant, through 2026. Viterbi School of Engineering.
Featured Publications
Peer-reviewed papers published through the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) focusing on machine learning, optimization algorithms, and automated field operations.
Intelligent Systems Approach for Optimum Fracturing Treatment Design
Abstract
This paper presents an intelligent systems framework leveraging advanced metaheuristic optimization and surrogate machine learning models to identify optimum fracturing treatment designs. By integrating physical constraints with data-driven predictive workflows, the proposed method accelerates design iterations while optimizing net present value and estimated ultimate recovery.
Automatic Identification of Optimum Infill Well Placement Using Voronoi Networks and Metaheuristic Optimizers
Abstract
Determining optimum infill well locations in mature reservoirs requires evaluating complex spatial drainage patterns and fluid dynamics. This study demonstrates a novel automated framework that combines spatial Voronoi tessellation networks with metaheuristic optimization algorithms to rapidly map, evaluate, and place infill wells with minimal computational overhead.
Data Analytics Techniques for Stimulation Treatment Performance Prediction and/or Classification
Abstract
A detailed exploration into machine learning and multivariate data analytics models tailored for stimulation treatment performance. The paper outlines classification techniques used to predict post-treatment performance metrics, aiding operators in selecting ideal candidate wells and treatment parameters based on historical production datasets.
AI-Driven Computational Fluid Dynamic Simulations and Experiments to Predict Methane Emission: Applications to Idle and Abandoned Wells
Abstract
Addressing environmental containment challenges, this work introduces an AI-integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model designed to model and predict fugitive methane emissions from idle and plugged/abandoned wells. Experimental data is combined with neural network surrogate models to accurately quantify leakage rates under varying atmospheric conditions.
Petroleum Software
See full portfolio →
Decline Analysis
Fits exponential, harmonic and hyperbolic decline curves to irregular well production histories, driving scipy differential evolution from a VB.NET front end.
See portfolio →
Voronoi Drainage Engine
Weighted and line-segment Voronoi diagrams for drainage and catchment areas, one tested core running on the desktop and in the browser via WebAssembly.
See portfolio →
Interwell Connectivity
Quantifies which injector feeds which producer across a waterflood, using an FIR capacitance model behind an eight-project multi-tier .NET platform.
See portfolio →The Software
Most of what I build scratches my own itch first. If I can’t find a tool that does what I need, I build it, then publish it for anyone else who wants it.
ShackLink Suite
Started because I wanted to control my radios from another room and nothing available did what I needed. Grew into a full ecosystem: a TCP/WebSocket/HTTP server with Morse, RTTY, PSK31, and SSTV decoders, plus desktop, mobile, web, and Home Assistant clients, all talking the same protocol. The Morse decoder uses a CNN+BiLSTM neural network I trained myself.
Stereo Spectrum Analyzer & Spectra Media Player
40+ audio-reactive visualizations for Windows, Android, and iOS. Built-in music player, 30,000+ internet radio stations, SMB/UPnP browsing, and a shader sandbox where you can write your own SKSL effects with real-time compilation. Came from wanting better music visuals than what existed.
RetireWise
Couldn’t find a retirement calculator that did Monte Carlo simulation and historical stress-testing without being behind a paywall or harvesting my data. So I built one. 500 randomized scenarios, 11 historical stress tests, tax optimization, Social Security analysis, and healthcare projections, all running in the browser.
Intimate Connection
Private mood-sharing app for couples. Local-WiFi-only, AES-256-GCM encrypted, no servers or accounts. ECDH key exchange, mDNS device discovery, peer-to-peer TCP. Supports polyamorous relationships.
The Ham Radio
Licensed since 2024 · General Class · I’m more of a builder than a contester, I’d rather write a decoder than work a pileup.
The Workbench
When I’m not writing software, I’m taking apart test equipment I bought for too little money on eBay.
- Fixing a Rohde & Schwarz CMU200/300 – Repairing a universal radio communication tester.
- Repurposing an Anritsu MD8475A – A cellular signaling tester repurposed for radio experimentation.
- Hermes Lite 2 – Experimenting with an HF SDR transceiver.
- ESP32-S3 Remote Control Knob – Custom hardware controller with LVGL touchscreen, WiFi, and TCP connection to ShackLink Server.
Why Dit Dots?
The name comes from Morse code, dits and dahs. There’s also a vague memory of a robot character called “Dit Dots” in something I read years ago. Either way, it stuck.
Get in Touch
Find me on the bands, reach out via QRZ, or use the contact form. Always happy to talk about projects, exchange ideas, or just say 73.