Wise graduated from the University of Michigan in 1975,[1] with a degree in aeronautical and aerospace engineering.[2]
She began working for General Dynamics on the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon program in 1975, becoming program director for production of the F-16 for the United States Air Force from 1975 to 1980,[3] and director of the F-16 program as a whole in 1987.[1] The General Dynamics aircraft manufacturing business was sold in 1993 to Lockheed and in 1995 became part of Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. Meanwhile, in 1994, Wise became program director for the Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor program,[3] and was named vice president of engineering for Lockheed Martin Tactical Aircraft Systems in 1998.[3][4]