I need the ability to automatically turn on "Following" for the record owner for project. It's not an option now, nor is available in automations.

This is the way Asana works out of the box-- in fact not only for the record owner but for any that any project member adds to the "Collaborators" list. Anyone can Leave Task if they desire, but anyone can add them as an interested party. It's a MUCH better setup than SmartSuite where only the user themselves can add them as a Follower.