Having worked at one of the aforementioned big three aerospace engineering companies, I can only reinforce the above.
The pay is not good and there are virtually no benefits, other than some interesting work. I started on £23000 at one of them... No other significant benefits.
I would imagine that there is not much between the companies. HR ensure that...
If you want a well paid engineering job, you need to look toward oil and gas, followed by nuclear, then automotive and civil or electrical. In my experience, aerospace sits at the bottom of the pay scales, but requires a high level of expertise and understanding. I have friends in all of the aforementioned sectors - some can buy and sell me.
When you consider what a bin man earns in London (£31,000), it really makes you question why you bothered to get a good, professional academic degree...
