Wanting to work 5-8 years in the railroad industry may allow you to become, at some point, an engineer. However, as Bob said, you're going to have to start off as a conductor. My cousin has been out here almost 10 years and just recently got marked up as an engineer.
Now in some locations, it may not take 10 years, but then again, it might. Aside from being a temporary engineer ( while the real one is down below taking a leak ), you'll have to start from the ground up...literally.