Who wants to be an aerospace engineer these days? Finish off a project someone else started 25 years ago, by 'cost cutting' features and functionality. Or perhaps just design the 'new' Hawk varient or 'new' Nimrod (remove wings, build new wings, take lump hammer to new wing to make it fit hole)
Not really a dig at the Hawk, but really what major new aircraft projects are there and of those which are UK based?
My great Uncle was involved in work with the RAE back in the days of multiple new aircraft and test beds. Some of his stories really make you wish for those days.