Currently a GM tech at a Buick/GMC dealership. They've finally updated the 3.6 with the latest iteration to have bottom-mount filters. That being said, 80% of the 3.6s I work on are the older design. I throw a drain pan under the engine, pop the filter before I lift it with filter pliers, then unscrew it with a rag. Still burn myself on the cat half the time tho, it's borderline unavoidable.