Can biomedical and/or chemical engineers work to develop new medicines?

Can biomedical and/or chemical engineers work in pharmaceutical companies to research, design, and develop new medicines? Is this a common role for biomed/chem engineers?

I am just beginning the college search process and I am very interested in engineering. My goal is to work to develop cures and vaccines for chronic and infectious diseases. However, I am not sure which engineering major or career path I should take to achieve my goal, and I am not sure if a pharmaceutical degree would be better for my career goals instead of an engineering degree. Any advice would be much appreciated!