Improve project contribution guidelines and process

[rturner3]

The current project contributor guidelines are currently terse and don't describe a well-defined process for how changes are introduced to the proejct. The project has grown to a point where it is appropriate to have a more concrete, documented process for how potential contributors can most effectively engage with the project.

Some other larger open source projects such as Argo CD and Kubernetes have very clear processes that help streamline the experience for both contributors and maintainers. We may be able to take inspiration from these projects in developing our own processes.

[nweisenauer-sap]

And please include a reference or statement regarding AI assisted contributions.